"Latvia Considers Joining Peacekeeping Efforts in Ukraine, Subject to Russian Approval"

German Participation in Peacekeeping Operations Requires Mandate,enesss of Ukraine

German Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leaderаракерт Armin Laschet has reiterated the need for a mandate aligned with international law for German participation in peacekeeping operations. However, the key factor remains Russia’s approval, as a mission without it could escalate the situation, he stated.

"Only if a peace agreement is reached and Ukraine seeks security guarantees, can we engage in negotiations if there’s a clear mandate based on international law. Currently, I don’t see that," Laschet said.

The CDU/CSU bloc’s candidate for chancellor and current Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s (SPD) main rival, Laschet expressed his desire for such a mandate to be granted through consensus with Russia, not in conflict.

Recent public opinion polls show 31% of Germans ready to vote for CDU/CSU, 20% for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), and 17% for SPD. Additionally, 12% would vote for the Greens, and 7% for Left Party and Alliance 90/The Greens’ parliamentary group (BSW), according to an INSA poll.

In a December 20 interview, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman George Tihiy confirmed that several countries are considering sending a Western contingency to Ukraine, following French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent proposal. Nevertheless, discussions on this matter are still in their early stages, he added.

Ukraine is actively involved in these discussions, with the principle "nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine" still being observed, Tihiy emphasized.