Britain and France are developing a plan to deploy up to 30,000 peacekeepers to Ukraine if Moscow and Kyiv reach a ceasefire agreement.
This was reported by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing European officials.
According to them, the force would focus on Ukraine’s air and sea defense. Ground forces would be minimal and would not be deployed near the front lines. According to the plan, European troops would be stationed in Ukrainian cities, ports, and other critical infrastructure such as nuclear power plants. Drones and satellites would monitor the front lines to determine whether Russia is observing the ceasefire.
The new European plan, however, does not envisage the deployment of its own US forces to Ukraine, but would require US military capabilities to protect European troops if they were in danger and to deter Russia from violating any ceasefire, the officials said. For example, the US could use air defense systems in neighboring countries that cover Ukraine, while providing other air defense systems to the Europeans. US air forces based outside Ukraine should be ready to support European troops if they are in danger.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to the US next week to discuss prospects for peace talks with Donald Trump. Starmer has promised to act as a “bridge” between Washington and Europe.
Former US Army Chief Ben Hodges, meanwhile, said that deploying European troops to Ukraine would not stop Russia from taking action.
A Washington Post source said that in addition to the UK and France, other countries remain wary of sending troops to Ukraine, citing concerns about escalation and limited military resources.
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