Defense Minister Pistorius Says Germany Will Play A Role In Russia-Ukraine Peace

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. (Wikimedia Commons/Olaf Kosinsky)

JAKARTA - Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Monday Germany was likely to play a role in realizing Russia's ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

European speculation could deploy troops in Ukraine if a ceasefire reached with Russia had escalated, as countries were awaiting the return of US President-elect Donald Trump to the White House in January.

Speaking to reporters in Berlin, Defense Minister Pistorius agreed with other European politicians by saying it was too early to make a decision on the presence of troops in Ukraine because no negotiations or ceasefire were seen.

"If there is a ceasefire, of course Western society, NATO partners, perhaps the United Nations and the European Union should discuss how such peace and a ceasefire can be secured," he said.

"And obviously, Germany as Europe's biggest economy will play a role there," he explained.

However, Defense Minister Boris said it was too early to say what the peacekeeping forces would look like later.

Trump has explained he will push for an immediate ceasefire to end the conflict, seeing Europeans take first responsibility for security on their continent.

Defense Minister Pistorius added he could not say what role might be needed because it relies on the modalities and conditions of the ceasefire, as well as a potential mandate for peacekeeping forces.

He underlined, it is also necessary to clarify both Ukraine and Russia to accept the mandate.

"From my response, you can see that there are more questions than the current answer. And that's why I can't give a convincing answer."