According to The Guardian, Europe is still considering the option of deploying peacekeeping forces in Ukraine after a ceasefire agreement with Russia is reached. For now, this option remains purely hypothetical.
Journalists spoke with officials familiar with the discussions around this plan. They spoke on condition of anonymity.
One source said the proposal involves sending a deterrent force to Ukraine, made up largely of European troops. It is expected that they would not rely on American technology. In the event of a renewed Russian attack, these troops would be able to defend themselves.
Further details about the plan followed Britain and France’s announcement of coalition military exercises in Poland. Eleven countries will take part: Poland, Germany, Belgium, Estonia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Turkey as well. Lieutenant General Tom Bateman, the commander of these forces, said the United Kingdom, France and other European countries had committed to “providing robust and binding security guarantees for Ukraine after the fighting ends”.
The aim of the drills is to demonstrate “military readiness, rapid deployment capabilities and the ability to operate effectively”, he said. Bateman stressed that these troops would act not as NATO representatives, but as a non-allied force.
- The deployment of foreign forces as a security guarantee for Ukraine was discussed during previous rounds of talks between Ukraine, Russia and the United States. US troops will not take part in these forces, but the possibility of assistance with weapons was discussed.