Germany sees need to maintain Ukraine’s defense after potential peace agreement
Photo: Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (Getty Images)
Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that what Ukraine needs for its security is not a new Budapest Memorandum, but concrete contributions and military support, according to Welt.
The German minister emphasized the need to plan for Ukraine’s defense even after a peace agreement is reached. He also stressed the necessity of providing reliable security guarantees.
"For me, it is important that the countries supporting Ukraine develop concrete measures to ensure a possible political resolution of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine," Pistorius said.
He added that the focus now should be on "reliable and long-term guarantees" for Ukraine, unlike the 1994 Budapest Memorandum.
Germany’s Defense Minister also commented on Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s remarks that the Bundeswehr would ensure the security of a potential ceasefire. Specifically, it would participate in such an operation, but on NATO territory near the border, not within Ukraine.
"The prerequisite for this is that Putin is finally serious about a ceasefire and stops the brutal killings," he said.
Pistorius noted that NATO countries need to have forces on standby in case of new aggression from Russia. According to him, this would strengthen "deterrence and defensive capabilities" against the aggressor state.
Security guarantees for Ukraine
Following the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris on January 6, Ukraine, the UK, and France signed a declaration of intent regarding the deployment of forces on Ukrainian territory.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that military hubs will be established across Ukraine after a ceasefire.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, following the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris, ruled out sending Italian troops to Ukraine as part of the security guarantees.
At the same time, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever stated that his country is ready to contribute to ensuring peace in Ukraine after the war ends.
In addition, Canada is also considering deploying its troops in Ukraine if a peace agreement is reached, with the country’s initial contribution potentially being the training of Ukrainian military personnel.
