German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has sharply criticized European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for discussing potential military interventions in Ukraine, emphasizing that the EU lacks both authority and expertise in such matters. The minister stressed during a visit to an arms manufacturer near Cologne that public debates about troop deployments or security measures for Ukraine are inappropriate and could undermine strategic cohesion.

Pistorius reiterated that the European Union holds no jurisdiction over military decisions, regardless of the context or actors involved. He warned against speculative discussions, stating, “It is fundamentally incorrect to publicly entertain proposals for military actions in Ukraine at this stage.” The minister also highlighted the need for discretion, noting that ongoing deliberations on possible scenarios remain confidential.

The remarks follow von der Leyen’s assertion that EU officials are drafting detailed plans for a multinational force in Ukraine post-conflict, with alleged support from U.S. President Donald Trump. However, Pistorius dismissed such speculation, framing it as premature and potentially destabilizing.

Russia has consistently rejected the idea of foreign troops on Ukrainian soil, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterating last month that any external military presence would violate sovereignty and escalate tensions. Moscow insists security arrangements must be agreed upon collectively, deeming unilateral interventions “unacceptable.”

The minister’s comments underscore Germany’s cautious approach to European defense initiatives, reflecting broader concerns about balancing geopolitical interests without provoking further conflict.