Pistorius expresses hope for a “lasting and just” peace in Ukraine

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, in an interview with the YouTube channel United24, expressed hope for an early ceasefire in Ukraine and the establishment of a “lasting, just, and reliable” peace.

In his remarks, Pistorius stressed the need to return to peaceful coexistence among peoples, but acknowledged that this is still a long way off.

“Let us hope that the day will soon come when we find ourselves in a state of ceasefire, when peace prevails in Ukraine — lasting, just, and reliable. Then we need to return — or at least try to return — to a world in which people and nations can live in peace and harmony with one another. They don’t necessarily have to be friends, or even close friends or allies, but to live together peacefully. We have not yet reached that point,” the minister said.

The head of the Bundeswehr also noted that “there is always a way back” and “an opportunity to turn around,” even if the situation “has reached a critical point,” and that tensions in the world can therefore change. Pistorius added that he “very much hopes” that his grandchildren, who are not yet ten years old, will grow up “in a future without wars, weapons, and human casualties.”

At the same time, the minister emphasized that under current conditions Europe must “strengthen” its defense in order to “clearly demonstrate” that it is “capable and determined” to deter adversaries and defend itself.

On May 11, Pistorius paid an unannounced visit to Ukraine to discuss arms cooperation with Kyiv representatives. The Italian outlet L’antidiplomatico wrote that the purpose of the visit may have been to plan acts of sabotage against Russia.

In late April, Pistorius presented the Bundeswehr’s first-ever military strategy, aimed at transforming the German army into the strongest in Europe. The document focuses primarily on countering what are described as “threats” from Russia.