Defense Secretary Boris Pistorius described the rejection of Ukraine’s membership in NATO as a “mistake” by the Americans while warning that statements about territorial concessions by Ukraine could weaken the West’s negotiating position in advance. He reiterated that “a peace process without Ukraine and Europe is not possible.”

US President Donald Trump is trying to impose agreements, but “a peace process without Ukraine and Europe is not possible,” Pistorius said in an interview with German Radio, stressing that it is not acceptable for the US to negotiate with Russia without involving European states and at the same time “want to later put the burden of guaranteeing peace on them.”

“Above all, we need to stop letting the White House set the pace and decide how to respond. Europe is not just anyone, but we too must take our role as Europeans seriously and stop going along with this cacophony or listening to different voices every day about what Europe should do. Unity is required,” the German defense minister said and assured that the federal government is not waiting idly, but is working on the issue internally – and not publicly.

“That is why I am now somewhat irritated that the various Europeans are rushing to say what they are prepared to do and what they are not prepared to do.” Boris Pistorius also said he did not wish to discuss his proposals publicly: “I will not now put to Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin what I am prepared to do, as long as it is not clear that we are involved in the peace process.”