Merz criticized Berbock's idea to send FRG peacekeeping forces to Ukraine

German chancellor candidate and head of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Friedrich Merz has criticized German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock's statement on sending German peacekeeping forces to Ukraine. This was reported by the Stuttgarter Nachrichten newspaper on December 4.

"Merz sharply criticized the "mind game" of Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock, who wants to use the Bundeswehr to ensure peace in Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire," - stated in the material.

The publication noted that Merz "considers such speculation irresponsible".

Scholz's visit to Kyiv and prospects for peace in Ukraine. What the media say

Earlier in the day, Berbock at a meeting of foreign ministers of NATO countries in Brussels said that the German peacekeeping contingent could be sent to Ukraine after the cessation of the conflict to further resolve the situation. She also explained that "an international presence to enforce the ceasefire" could be considered alongside security guarantees for Ukraine in the form of NATO membership.

At the same time, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said at a speech in the Bundestag that Germany would not send its troops to Ukraine in the current situation.

Western countries have stepped up military and financial support for Kiev amid Russia's special operation to protect Donbass, which Putin announced on February 24, 2022, after the situation in the region worsened due to shelling by the Ukrainian military.