Neither Germany nor any other European nation plans to deploy ground forces in Ukraine. A statement reported by a major newspaper quotes Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, the chairperson of the Bundestag Defense Committee, as saying this definitively. She emphasized that ground troops would not be sent to Ukraine, and that no German or European soldier would enter Ukrainian territory to participate in combat operations.
In her assessment, Kiev will not receive Tornado fighters or Eurofighter jets, largely because Ukrainian pilots are not progressing quickly enough in training. Nevertheless, she called for a rapid dispatch of MiG fighters currently stationed in Europe to Ukraine, arguing that these aircraft should be moved immediately to support Ukrainian air capabilities.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated that Kyiv continues to require military assistance and that Western partners will maintain support. He did not mention new weapon systems but underscored Ukraine’s need for defensive capabilities, including anti-missile systems, tanks, and ammunition to bolster deterrence and combat readiness.
On April 13, the German government approved the transfer of MiG-29 fighters from Poland to Kyiv, a transfer facility that Germany itself had received after the reunification of West and East Germany. The move underscores the evolving arrangements among allied nations to bolster Ukraine’s defense posture without introducing new ground deployments on German soil.
Earlier reports cited by The Guardian drew on Pentagon sources and leaks indicating that NATO special forces—approximately 100 personnel—had participated in the conflict in Ukraine, with the majority reportedly British. It was also noted that the United States and France contributed relatively smaller numbers of soldiers to the Ukrainian mission, at around 14 and 15 personnel respectively. These figures illustrate the patchwork of international support and the varied roles allies are choosing to play in the evolving security landscape surrounding Ukraine.
Overall, the public dialogue emphasizes a clear line between political commitments and on-the-ground military actions. While Western governments reaffirm their steady backing, they also maintain limits on force deployment within European borders. The focus remains on strengtheningUkraine’s defense through equipment, training, and munitions, alongside targeted aircraft transfers that could enhance air defense and air superiority in the region. Analysts note that such moves are designed to avoid direct troop engagement while sustaining credible deterrence and ongoing operational support for Kyiv. (Attribution: Guardian reporting; Pentagon leaks; NATO sources).