Germany is pivoting its strategy for Ukraine, prioritizing financial support and post-conflict aid over the direct deployment of troops, Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil announced. The government has shelved plans to send Bundeswehr forces for ceasefire monitoring, citing President Trump's refusal to commit troops. Instead, Germany intends to bolster Ukraine's army through funding, training, and increased arms production to deter future Russian aggression, according to a report from NOELreports. The shift away from direct military involvement signifies a change in Berlin's approach, with no immediate expectation of peace talks between Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky. The focus will now be on strengthening Ukraine's capabilities in the long term, aiming to establish a deterrent without direct German military presence on the ground. Meanwhile, fighting continues in eastern Ukraine, with reports indicating Russian forces are deploying heavy equipment in the Malynivka district, moving towards Mirnohrad. Ukrainian units had previously achieved successes in the area, potentially threatening Russian supply lines. The increased enemy presence suggests a possible counter-offensive or attempt to regain lost positions, according to Ukrainian military observers. There are concerns that Russian forces are sending equipment into the Mirnohrad direction, possibly to break through or to quickly withdraw units from rotation. These efforts are characterized by a focus on "chaotically scattered disposable" resources rather than strategic equipment deployment, as noted by the "Говорять Снайпер ✙" Telegram channel.
