German defense minister opposes forcing Ukraine into peace deal
Photo: German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
There can be no peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia that forces Ukraine into capitulation. Ukraine must also be able to defend itself in the future, said German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
Amid renewed diplomatic activity, Pistorius warned against any effort to pressure Ukraine into unilateral territorial concessions. He also dismissed the idea of limiting Ukraine's military, stressing that the country must be able to protect itself in the future.
He noted that this requires a strong army and reliable security guarantees, primarily from the United States. According to him, anything that affects the future of European states, NATO, or EU members must not be negotiated "over our heads."
"In other words, we decide our own future. And there must be no fake peace for Ukraine. No peace that amounts to capitulation,” he concluded.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that Russia is showing no willingness to end the war or agree to a peace deal. Pressure on the Kremlin must continue until it is forced to seek peace.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also stated that Russian leader Vladimir Putin must not be allowed to end the war with any form of success. Any peace deal would be meaningless without the approval of Europe and Ukraine.
Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Russia must make concessions to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
