Whether or not Western countries station troops in Ukraine after the conflict there is over has been a hot topic, with Western European leaders urging such a move and U.S. President Trump wavering between a yay and nay.

On Monday, multiple reports stated that President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen had announced “precise plans” for security guarantees to be provided to Ukraine after the war, including the possible deployment of military units in Ukraine. 

Admiral Anthony Radakin, chief of the UK General Staff, had also verified that the U.K. and France were committed to having a military presence in Ukraine. 

Now, Politico is out countering this narrative, with a quote from German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who told press: “The European Union has no responsibilities and no competences when it comes to deploying troops — for anyone or for anything. I would refrain from confirming or commenting on such considerations in any way.”

Pistorius confirmed that such discussions are ongoing but slammed von der Leyen’s announcement: “To discuss this publicly, at this point in time, I consider to be totally wrong.”