Berlin: Germany has firmly rejected recent remarks by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding the potential deployment of European troops to Ukraine. Von der Leyen had suggested that Europe is preparing plans for a multinational force to assist Ukraine, possibly involving tens of thousands of troops supported by U.S. command structures and intelligence assets.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius described these statements as “premature” and emphasized that any decision on troop deployments must involve careful consultation among multiple parties. He stressed that the European Union does not currently hold the authority to unilaterally make such military decisions. “Those are things that you don't discuss before you sit down at the negotiating table with many parties that have a say in the matter,” Pistorius remarked.
The controversy highlights ongoing divisions within the European Union over military commitments to Ukraine. While von der Leyen’s proposal signals a willingness to take a proactive role in supporting Ukraine, Germany’s response reflects caution and the need for consensus among member states before engaging in direct military operations.
This episode underscores the broader complexities of European defense policy, particularly when aligning the strategic priorities of different nations. Analysts suggest that the debate over European troop deployment reflects the delicate balance between supporting Ukraine and maintaining internal cohesion within the EU.