Pistorius criticizes von der Leyen over Ukraine security guarantees

The German Defense Minister responded to media reports that von der Leyen spoke about plans to deploy multinational forces in Ukraine.

Pistorius considers it fundamentally wrong to discuss such issues before sitting down at the negotiating table.

In his opinion, the European Union has no authority or competence regarding the deployment of troops in Ukraine.

"I refrain from confirming or commenting on such considerations in any way," said the German minister.

According to him, discussions are ongoing about "what would be possible, what would not be possible, and under what reservations and conditions something would be possible at all."

"But I believe that discussing this publicly at the moment is absolutely wrong," Pistorius emphasized.

Statement by Ursula von der Leyen

Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that EU countries are working on "pretty precise plans" regarding the potential deployment of military forces in Ukraine as part of security guarantees after the end of the war. The security guarantees will be fully backed by commitments from the United States.

According to her, each country will make its own decision on sending troops.

The forces could potentially include tens of thousands of service members under European command, supported by the United States, including command and control systems as well as intelligence and surveillance assets.

After a peace agreement, Kyiv would require a substantial number of soldiers with proper salaries and modern equipment, and the EU would be expected to contribute, she emphasized.

Von der Leyen did not provide details, noting only thёat discussions on security guarantees are "really taking shape."