Germany Hesitates on Peacekeeping Troops for Ukraine; US-Russia Talks Scheduled

The German government stated on February 17th that it considers it premature to address the deployment of peacekeeping troops to Ukraine. A government spokesperson emphasized the importance of waiting to see if and how peace materializes in Ukraine before discussing the conditions and organization of such a mission. Preparations are underway for peace talks between the U.S. and Russia regarding the conflict in Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is scheduled to meet with a U.S. delegation in Saudi Arabia on February 18th to prepare for potential peace negotiations and to discuss the restoration of relations between Moscow and Washington. While Germany hesitates, the UK and Sweden have indicated a potential willingness to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine following a peace agreement. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the UK is ready to play a leading role, including deploying its own troops. Sweden's Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenegard said that after a just and lasting peace is negotiated, Sweden would consider contributing to its maintenance and is not ruling anything out. A summit on Ukraine, convened by French President Emmanuel Macron, is scheduled to take place in Paris on February 17th. The summit will include the heads of government from Poland, Germany, the UK, Italy, and Denmark.