European nations are discussing the possibility of deploying military forces to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire or a peace agreement, diplomats and officials told Reuters. The talks, led by French President Emmanuel Macron, are still in the early stages but have already revealed divisions regarding the objectives, mandate, and feasibility of such a mission.A New Landscape Without U.S. Support
Newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump has made it clear that American troops will not be sent to guarantee Ukraine’s security. Instead, the responsibility is being shifted to European nations. Trump emphasized in conversations with Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Europe must take on this task independently.
Divisions Among European Leaders
As Kyiv loses momentum in the war and Russian forces continue their gradual advances on the eastern front, European leaders are looking for ways to support Ukraine without appearing weak to Russian President Vladimir Putin. At the same time, they are considering security guarantees that could involve deploying tens of thousands of troops.
However, such a move carries a significant risk of direct conflict with Russia and would further strain European militaries, already depleted by arms donations to Ukraine.
Potential Composition and Mandate of the Forces
The core of the potential deployment could consist of major European nations such as France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom. Still, there is disagreement over the role of these forces—whether they should act as peacekeepers monitoring a ceasefire or as a deterrent against further Russian aggression.
French and Ukrainian officials lean towards deterrence, while Italian officials advocate for a peacekeeping role under the auspices of the United Nations.
Logistical and Operational Challenges
Estimates of the required troop numbers vary, but analysts believe that a mission could involve between 40,000 and 100,000 soldiers, with rotation and logistical support included. This burden could necessitate scaling back other international missions, such as those in the Balkans.
The rules of engagement and the mission’s mandate are yet to be defined. Officials stress that the mission must be acceptable to both Ukraine and Russia—a considerable political challenge.
/Poskok.info/