European leaders are working on a plan for the deployment of peacekeeping forces in Ukraine
European leaders are working on a plan to deploy peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, which involves the involvement of up to 30,000 European soldiers. The main idea is that, under the conditions of reaching a ceasefire agreement between Moscow and Kyiv, these troops will be able to provide security in critical regions of the country. At the same time, the limited participation of American military resources can play a key role in this project, which will act as a kind of “insurance mechanism” for European forces.
According to the information made public WSJ, British and French officials are negotiating the creation of a multinational mission in Ukraine. The plan does not involve the direct deployment of US troops to the country, but rather their use to provide key defense capabilities that European efforts lack. For example, the US could deploy air defense systems in neighboring states or put its air force on alert to provide operational support in the event of a threat to European peacekeepers.
In addition, issues of possible security guarantees for Ukraine, which can be provided by the American military, will be discussed at meetings of high-ranking officials. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are already planning talks with the US president to test the readiness of the American leadership to support this initiative. The primary goal of these talks is to determine whether Donald Trump will agree to a limited but important US involvement that could serve as a security guarantee for European militaries in the event of a threat.
According to the plan of the European leaders, the role of the USA in this scheme will not consist in the deployment of full-scale military forces in Ukraine. Instead, American resources should serve as an additional shield that ensures prompt response in critical situations. Thus, American air defense systems can be placed in neighboring countries, which will allow to partially cover Ukrainian territory, and other means – to provide support directly to European forces. If necessary, American air forces located outside of Ukraine can be brought to a high level of combat readiness for an operational response.
However, the success of this plan largely depends on the position of the United States. For some European officials, the decisive issue is Trump’s willingness to support the initiative, because his views on foreign policy relations with Russia may stand in the way. Some analysts indicate that the desire of the American leadership to strengthen contacts with Moscow may complicate the decision-making process on participation in the peacekeeping mission. There are also fears that the deployment of American resources, even in such a limited form, could be perceived by Russia as provocative.
At the same time, British officials emphasize that without the support of the United States, any attempt to create a powerful multinational contingent may fail. According to them, the participation of American forces is important for deterring possible aggressive actions of Russia, as well as for stimulating other European countries to participate more actively in security efforts on the continent.
