German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has been critical of reports made by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen regarding security guarantees in Ukraine.
Von der Leyen told the Financial Times that “precise plans” are being made for a multinational troop deployment in Ukraine.
Pistorius said it’s “fundamentally wrong” to discuss such options before peace negotiations.
“The European Union has no responsibilities and no competences when it comes to deploying troops — for anyone or for anything,” the minister told reporters at a defence industry site in the western German town of Troisdorf.
“I would refrain from confirming or commenting on such considerations in any way.”
While he acknowledged that governments are discussing these possibilities, he stressed that he believes it is “totally wrong” to discuss publicly.
Von der Leyen said the plans would involve tens of thousands of troops from European countries and the U.S. backing them in areas like intelligence and command.
The idea of stationing Western Troops in Ukraine has been highly divisive, with France and the U.K. discussing the issue while the U.S. and other NATO countries like Poland ruling out the possibility. Some other countries are still unclear on their stance.
