Germany has openly challenged European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen over her suggestion that EU forces could be deployed to Ukraine once the war ends.
Speaking on Monday during a visit to a munitions factory in Cologne, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius dismissed von der Leyen’s remarks as “premature” and without mandate. “These are issues that cannot be commented on publicly before negotiations with all parties have taken place,” he told reporters, adding that the European Commission has “no authority to deploy troops.”
Von der Leyen made her comments in an interview with the Financial Times on Sunday, claiming that Europe had drawn up “detailed plans” for a multinational force to be stationed in Ukraine as part of postwar security guarantees, backed by U.S. support. She suggested the initiative could involve “tens of thousands of soldiers under European leadership,” with Washington providing critical assistance in command, intelligence, and surveillance systems.
The Commission president also said there was a “clear roadmap” and “agreement with the White House,” describing security guarantees for Ukraine as “absolutely critical.”
Diplomatic momentum around Ukraine continues this week. The French presidency confirmed that Paris will host a meeting on Thursday of the so-called “Coalition of the Willing,” a group of countries providing military and financial aid to Kyiv. The hybrid meeting will address security guarantees and Russia’s continued refusal to enter peace talks.
