German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said his country would take part in ensuring compliance with a future ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine, but it was still too early to say what such a peacekeeping force might look like, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
Speculation that Europe could send troops to Ukraine if a ceasefire agreement with Russia is reached has intensified before re-elected U.S. President Donald Trump returns to the White House next month.
Trump has made it clear that he will push for an immediate ceasefire to end the conflict and that he sees Europeans as responsible for taking the first responsibility for the security of their continent.
Speaking to journalists in Berlin yesterday, Pistorius echoed the words of other European politicians, saying it was too early to make decisions on deploying troops in Ukraine, as there were still neither negotiations nor a ceasefire.
“If a ceasefire is achieved, then of course the Western community, the NATO partners, probably the United States and the European Union will discuss how such peace, such a ceasefire, can be ensured,“ he said. "It is clear that Germany, as the largest European economy, will play a role in this," Pistorius noted.
He added that he could not yet say what that role might be, as it depended on the terms and conditions of the ceasefire and the potential mandate of the peacekeeping force.
Pistorius stressed that it must also be clear that both Ukraine and Russia must accept such a mandate.
"You can tell from my answer that there are currently many more questions than answers. And that is why I cannot give you a definitive answer," the German defense minister summed up.