Germany's Scholz-No NATO Ground Troops In Ukraine

Joining the growing list of Western or Russian politicians/officials commenting on French President Emmanuel Macron's 26 Feb comments suggesting that NATO boots-on-the-ground in Ukraine cannot be ruled out, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz appears to do just that. Scholz states that "There will be no ground troops on Ukrainian territory sent by NATO."

• In an effort to try to gloss over differences, Scholz claims that the "Paris meeting was a sign of good cooperation between Germany and France". However, it would appear that the meeting - while achieving some agreement on relaxing requirements that EU-made ammo and shells are provided to Ukraine - has served to highlight divisions between Ukraine's allies on what constitutes full backing.
• While Germany is one of the major military and financial backers of Ukraine alongside the US, UK, and Poland, Scholz is facing growing calls to join Washington and London in sending Ukraine long-range munitions, in this case Germany's Taurus cruise missiles.
• DW reports the chancellor continues to say the provision of Taurus missiles is not likely in the short term, while not comprehensively ruling it out: "[Scholz] named two principal problems: their range, and the likely need for assistance from German Bundeswehr troops, which he said could be construed as direct or indirect participation in the war."