Germany Open to Deploying Troops to Ukraine Buffer Zone If Ceasefire Reached

Jan 19, 2025, 08:45 AM

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has expressed openness to deploying German troops to Ukraine to help secure a demilitarized buffer zone if a ceasefire agreement with Russia is reached. In an interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung, Pistorius emphasized Germany’s role as NATO’s largest European partner and its responsibility to contribute to regional security. He stated that such discussions would occur when the time is right and highlighted the importance of creating a security framework to prevent future Russian aggression. Pistorius noted that Russia is currently occupying 18-19% of Ukrainian territory. He also mentioned that Germany currently allocates around 2% of its GDP to defense but suggested aiming for 3%. The proposal aligns with ongoing discussions among NATO members regarding peacekeeping missions and defense spending. Pistorius is scheduled to visit the United States to discuss these matters with President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.