German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has said that he is ready to send German soldiers to Ukraine to help secure the demilitarized zone if a ceasefire agreement is reached with Russia.

In an interview with the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, Pistorius also said Germany should aim to spend about three percent of GDP on defense.

Asked about the possible deployment of German troops to secure a buffer zone between Russia and Ukraine, if agreed, Pistorius said: “We are NATO's largest partner in Europe. Obviously, we have a role to play.”

The issue “will be discussed in due course,” he said.

Pistorius said Russia currently occupies “18 or 19 percent of Ukraine's territory.”

But despite nearly three years of war, it has “not accomplished more” and has suffered “significant losses in its own army” in the attempt, he added.

Donald Trump, who takes office as US president on Monday, claimed during his campaign that he could end the conflict between Ukraine and Russia in less than 24 hours. His staff has since said he needs more time. Discussions could nevertheless begin soon, particularly after Trump meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Ukraine does not currently have enough power to start any peace talks with Russia, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Monday.