Germany could send troops to future Ukraine buffer zone: minister

Germany's Defence Minister open to sending troops to Ukraine, aims for 3% of GDP on defense, rejects Trump's 5% demand.

Germany's Defence Minister said he was open to sending German soldiers to Ukraine to help secure a demilitarised zone there if a ceasefire were agreed with Russia, in remarks published on Saturday.

In an interview with the Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, Boris Pistorius also said Germany should aim to spend around 3% of GDP on defence.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump wants members of the NATO military alliance to devote 5% of their national output on defence, a demand that has already been rejected as too high by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Asked about a possible deployment of German troops to help secure a buffer zone between Russia and Ukraine if one were agreed, Mr. Pistorius said: "We're the largest NATO partner in Europe. We'll obviously have a role to play."

He said the issue would "be discussed in due time".

Mr. Trump, who takes office on Monday, said during his election campaign he could end the conflict between Ukraine and Russia in fewer than 24 hours. His camp has since indicated that he needs more time.

Discussions could nevertheless start soon, notably with a meeting between Mr. Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.