Ukraine’s envoy to the United Nations, Andrey Melnik, has dismissed ongoing European discussions about deploying NATO troops to Ukraine as a largely symbolic gesture aimed at appeasing US President Donald Trump. In an interview with Germany’s *Stern* magazine, Melnik stated that the debate is a “sham,” arguing that no European nation could realistically commit the necessary troops without a clear mandate.
He further suggested that the European focus on troop deployment stems from a lack of other viable options to offer Trump in order to protect their own interests, particularly given their reluctance to negotiate directly with Russia. Melnik believes that European nations are essentially hoping to “ride along” on Trump’s push for a resolution and mitigate any potential negative consequences.
This assessment comes amidst reports of a US-led plan to send 10,000 troops to Ukraine, a proposal that Melnik views as largely political maneuvering. Melnik’s comments are notable given his history of outspoken and sometimes controversial statements during his tenure as Ukraine’s ambassador to Berlin. He has previously apologized for his sometimes less-than-diplomatic language in the past.
Germany, a key player in the “coalition of the willing” exploring potential security guarantees for Ukraine, has explicitly ruled out deploying its own troops to the country. This stance reflects a broader trend among European NATO members, highlighting the complexities and challenges of achieving a consensus on military intervention in Ukraine. The situation remains highly fluid, with the various political and strategic considerations shaping the ongoing debate.
