German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has expressed caution about the possible role of European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine. According to him, it will largely depend on Russian President Vladimir Putin, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
His statement came a day after European leaders met in Berlin and proposed forming a defense force to guarantee the implementation of a possible ceasefire in Ukraine.
"When Putin says how he wants to act, then we will look at this issue in detail," said Pistorius, when asked to comment on what contribution the German armed forces were ready to make.
Russia has already categorically rejected the option of deploying foreign troops to monitor the ceasefire.
Pistorius said that he generally supports the idea of deploying European forces on the ground, but noted that he did not participate in the latest round of negotiations in Berlin, which he said took place in a narrow circle for good reasons.
He added that there were still open questions such as whether the deployment of German troops will require parliamentary approval, as well as those related to command and control, such as "who will be responsible for what, where and within what framework".
"At this stage, it is about the Europeans - quite naturally - committing to share responsibility and to participate in the negotiations on the further development of the situation," Pistorius said.
On Monday, European leaders proposed the formation of a peacekeeping force to help ensure the implementation of a possible ceasefire in Ukraine.
The joint declaration after the end of high-level talks in Berlin stated that a force commanded by Europe and supported by the United States would assist the Ukrainian army and ensure the security of airspace and maritime zones, "including by operating on the territory of Ukraine.".