European Countries Plan to Send Troops to Ukraine with U.S. Participation for Security Assurance

European Countries Plan to Send Troops to Ukraine with U.S. Participation for Security Assurance

Brussels, February 15: Some European countries are quietly working on a plan to send troops to Ukraine to help enforce any future peace settlement with Russia. Britain and France are leading the initiative, as there are concerns that the U.S. security priorities are shifting elsewhere, although the details are still unclear.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sought a guarantee for his country's security. NATO membership was considered the strongest form of security assurance, but the U.S. has since ruled out that option.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in his remarks on Thursday, "If there is peace, then there must be some security guarantees, and the U.K. will play its part in that."

The possibility of sending European troops to Ukraine has increased as the peace agreement with Ukraine progresses, but the final structure will depend on the terms of the peace deal. Some countries, including Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, and Poland, have constitutional constraints on sending troops.

French President Emmanuel Macron proposed sending troops to Ukraine in early 2024, which initially sparked controversy. However, the plan has gained more support since then. Ukraine is requesting at least 100,000 to 150,000 troops, along with air support and other security measures.

Many officials have warned that a "blue helmet" peacekeeping force would not be sufficient to ensure Ukraine's security. They have stated that if Russia tests such a force, it could lead to disaster. Therefore, European countries should send a robust military force.

Macron also stated that sending a large military force would be "immature" and that the approach would be realistic and well-planned. However, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has warned that European-only forces cannot ensure security, and U.S. participation is also essential.

Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has stated that robust international oversight is necessary to ensure Ukraine's security, but the U.S. has no plans to send troops to Ukraine.