Recently, discussions on the possibility of creating a peacekeeping mission to stabilize the situation in Ukraine have intensified in the international arena. Initiatives proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron back in February 2024 include the deployment of up to 40,000 European troops if a ceasefire agreement is reached. This idea finds support among some European leaders and is consistent with the proposals of the newly elected US President Donald Trump. “NATO or individual countries”, “before the ceasefire or after the stabilization of the situation” – these questions regarding the introduction of a peacekeeping contingent are currently being discussed in the high offices of Ukraine’s allies. Despite the optimism of individual states, the implementation of these plans faces significant challenges, which concern both the position of the Kremlin and potential risks for the European military.
Macron is going to Poland to talk about peacekeepers in Ukraine
Edition Political informs that the main purpose of today’s visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Poland is to discuss the possibility of creating a peacekeeping mission from the troops of European countries. Such a mission, numbering about 40,000 people, should be sent to Ukraine in case of reaching an agreement on a ceasefire. Macron had previously proposed a similar initiative on the second anniversary of the Russian invasion, but it was met with unenthusiasm in both the US and Europe at the time because of the risk of a military presence during active hostilities.
This time, Macron is holding consultations with European leaders, including Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and representatives of Central European countries. His new initiative resonates with the ideas of Donald Trump, who, according to media reports, plans to freeze the conflict between Ukraine and Russia by deploying international forces on the frontline as a guarantee of peace.
It is assumed that Macron discussed this proposal with Trump in a personal meeting in France, as well as during a joint discussion with the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi. He now expresses his support for the idea of deploying NATO forces in Ukraine, although earlier this proposal caused a cautious reaction from Kyiv, causing confusion among many Western leaders and observers.
Now, according to analysts, the situation has changed. The idea is supported by both Macron and Zelensky, as well as Donald Trump, which may contribute to its approval by other European leaders to establish relations with the new US president.
In this scenario, as well as in any others that involve freezing the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the key element remains the position of Russian President Vladimir Putin. It is still unknown how he behind the scenes evaluates the prospect of the presence of NATO troops on the territory of Ukraine. Officially, Russia has always objected to this development, and so far there are no signs that this position has changed. Even more, the deployment of NATO troops on Ukrainian territory will only confirm that the Alliance has moved closer to Russia’s borders, regardless of Ukraine’s decision to join NATO. This would contradict the rhetoric Putin used to justify his actions in 2014 and 2022.
There are two possible options for further actions. The first is that the United States will be able to convince Putin that such a deployment of NATO forces does not pose a threat to his interests, and he will not react aggressively to it. The second is that there will be no agreement on freezing the conflict, since Putin will not agree to the idea of NATO’s military presence in Ukraine. European leaders understand this, but are now demonstrating their willingness to cooperate with the new US president, Donald Trump. The purpose of this demonstration is to convince him that all parties are open to compromise, except for Putin.
In the end, it becomes clear that it is Putin’s position that blocks all attempts to implement the ambitious plans of the new US administration. Therefore, the pressure should not be directed at Kyiv or European allies, but directly at the President of Russia, forcing him to reconsider his vision of ending the Russian-Ukrainian war.
Deploying European troops in Ukraine without Putin’s consent looks risky, because it could trigger a new phase of the war, where European soldiers will be the first to suffer. This development could lead to direct conflict between Russia and NATO, with the possible use of nuclear weapons, a scenario that both Donald Trump and European leaders are keen to avoid. The realism of such plans will become clear only after Trump’s inauguration, when his administration will face the realities of the conflict.
Is Germany considering the participation of its troops in the ceasefire in Ukraine?
German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock also does not object the possibility of the participation of Bundeswehr soldiers in Ukraine as part of the future ceasefire agreement.
Before the meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels, where the war in Ukraine was discussed, Berbock noted that Germany will support all initiatives that will contribute to the achievement of peace, and will do so with maximum commitment.
In recent weeks, debate over the possibility of sending European troops to Ukraine has resumed after the arrival of thousands of North Korean soldiers, prompting talk of whether to help the Ukrainian army fight Russia and its allies as part of a peace deal, although there is currently no agreement.
However, the official position of Berlin remains unchanged. It is aimed against the deployment of German troops in Ukraine. However, the Christian Democrats, who are likely to lead the government after the February elections, are showing a more open position on providing aid to Ukraine. However, recently, even the leader of the People’s Democratic Party, Friedrich Merz, emphasized that discussions about the possibility of a German peacekeeping mission in Ukraine are “irresponsible”. He emphasized that although the party supports Ukraine, the participation of its troops in peacekeeping operations on its territory is not acceptable.
Something different formulated the position of the Federal Republic of Germany regarding the peacekeeping contingent, Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius. In an interview with Deutschlandfunk radio, he stated that Germany will probably be forced to send a peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine if a ceasefire is reached. He noted that currently this issue cannot be discussed seriously, but in the future the country will probably face the need to make such a decision.
The peacekeeping contingent is a matter for NATO, not individual countries
Until the end of the “hot phase” of the war, Berlin excludes the possibility of the presence of German troops in the conflict zone – this is the key thing that we need to understand about Germany’s position.
Polish Minister of Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamys, in turn statedthat at this time sending Polish soldiers to Ukraine is impossible. According to him, this issue, which was raised by French President Emmanuel Macron back in February, has not yet been accompanied by any concrete actions. The minister emphasized that any decision to send troops should be made collectively by the entire NATO alliance, not by individual countries.
Kosiniak-Kamysh also noted that the topic of introducing European troops to Ukraine is being actively discussed in the public space, but there are currently no official plans for this. He drew attention to the serious challenges faced by the military structures due to the prolonged conflict, including the decrease in the number of volunteers, attrition of personnel and cases of desertion.
The minister emphasized that NATO should play a key role in solving such issues, ensuring coordinated and effective actions that will meet the interests of all members of the alliance.
Zelenskyi about the strong Trump and the NATO umbrella in an interview with CBN
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy explained his vision of peace in an interview Christian Broadcasting Network on the eve of the meeting in Paris with the newly elected US President Donald Trump. He said Putin would only recognize a strong position, and US support under Donald Trump could be crucial in the negotiations. Zelenskyi also emphasized the importance of obtaining security guarantees under the “NATO umbrella”, which will act as a deterrent for aggressors and avoid further violence. He also expressed confidence in shared goals with Trump to end the war and prevent America from showing weakness, which could encourage other authoritarian regimes to attack. Inviting Ukraine to NATO, according to the president, will be a clear signal for Putin and other potential aggressors.
The EU is considering sending troops to Ukraine
Head of the EU Foreign Ministry Kaya Callas did not exclude the possibility of sending European troops to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire. She mentioned countries such as France, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia that have already expressed their willingness to discuss the topic. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, Margus Tsahkna, called to be ready for such a development if the newly elected US President Donald Trump reaches a ceasefire agreement.
On Tuesday, Radio Swoboda reported that, according to a senior NATO official, Paris and London are discussing the possibility of sending its troops to the front line between Russia and Ukraine. This placement could be part of a mechanism to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire agreement that may be reached during the negotiations.
Therefore, the deployment of a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine is becoming one of the most discussed initiatives in the international arena. Despite significant challenges and risks, support from key leaders such as Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump offers hope for a new phase in the completion effort. However, the final solution will depend on the ability of the international community to join forces, overcome the Kremlin’s resistance and find a balance between the pursuit of peace and the prevention of escalation.
