“President Trump took the membership of Ukraine in NATO off the table, without any pressure,” said Pistorius. “And therefore I’m afraid that the membership of Ukraine in NATO is off the table and I hope it will not remain there, but we’ll see about that.”
Both men argued a lasting peace for Ukraine is only possible if Kyiv and its European allies were to take part in peace negotiations.
Pistorius, however, appeared unconvinced Europeans would secure a seat at the table when it comes to the Trump administration’s talks, even as his French and British counterparts try to win such a role by showing a willingness to send peacekeeping troops in case of an eventual deal.
“Let’s see whether they are succesfull,” Pistorius said of the Franco-British approach. “I would hope so, but I don’t believe it for the moment. There is no signal visible or to hear about in Washington that they are willing to let us on the table. And I’m afraid that could remain like that.”
What remains unclear too, is whether Pistorius — one of Germany’s most popular politicians, according to surveys — will still be in charge in a couple of weeks. His center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) is currently in coalition talks with the conservative winners of the country’s February election, and it is yet to be decided whether he will keep his defense ministry post once the new government is established.
Pistorius, however, once again made clear he wants to stay on.
“I would love to continue my work because it’s not done yet,” he said.
