The thought of sending troops to Ukraine was originally proposed by French president Emmanuel Macron in early 2024. Initially, he met with criticism, especially from Germany and Poland, but in time he gained wider support.
In December 2024, before the inauguration of US president Donald Trump, European leaders met with president Volodymyr Zelenski in Brussels. The talks were attended by representatives of the United Kingdom, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Poland, as well as high-ranking officials of the European Union.
Who will send peacekeepers to Ukraine?
The implementation of the plan presently faces legal and political obstacles. Italy has constitutional restrictions on the usage of the armed forces, the Netherlands and Germany require the approval of the parliament and Poland remains cautious.
The head of the Polish MON, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, during a gathering with U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, stressed that Poland's function as a logistical safety is crucial and should be developed. He proposed that alternatively of sending Polish troops to Ukraine, focus on investments in the form of joint venture with the United States.
As the observers note, the abstinence of Poland is based on historical conditions. Sending the peace quota to Ukraine could further destabilise relations with Russia and affect Polish-Ukrainian relations.
How many troops will be stationed?
Experts emphasise that European forces must be sufficiently many and well equipped to play their function effectively. Ben Hodges, erstwhile U.S. Army commander in Europe, stated: "If we send forces there, they must have air force, large land forces, drones, anti-drone systems, and air and rocket defense."
President Zelenski suggests the creation of a contingent of between 100 and 150 1000 soldiers, while the media speculate on forces of 30–40 thousand. no of these numbers were officially confirmed by diplomats.
The United States won't help.
U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, noted that the operation cannot be conducted under the NATO flag, and American soldiers will not be straight involved. "Any safety guarantees must be supported by capable European and non-European forces," Hegseth said.
The problem may be the approach of Ukraine itself, which has announced that it will not accept any alternate safety guarantees that could replace full membership of NATO. The Ministry of abroad Affairs stated that only membership of the North Atlantic Alliance is an effective protection against Russian aggression.
Security guarantees and position of Ukraine
President Zelenski stresses the request for strong safety guarantees for Ukraine. "Since we are talking about safety guarantees as the main point of any paper concerning the cessation or termination of the war, these guarantees must be real and guaranteed," said Zelenski during a gathering with U.S. Vice president J.D. Vance.
European work for the safety of Ukraine
In view of the possible simplification of US engagement in European safety issues, European countries are considering expanding their own defence capabilities.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated: “European safety must be a precedence for European NATO members. As part of this, Europe must supply Ukraine with an overwhelming part of future assistance."
Read also:
Zelenski corresponds to the Americans. "Putin prepares to fight NATO countries next year"
