A coalition of European nations is quietly formulating a plan to deploy troops to Ukraine, aimed at bolstering security in the event of a future peace agreement with Russia. The initiative comes amid growing concerns that U.S. security interests may be shifting away from the region, prompting countries like Britain and France to take the lead in discussions about troop deployment.
The ongoing war in Ukraine, which began three years ago, has intensified the urgency for a robust security framework to protect Ukraine once hostilities cease. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed the necessity for guarantees that his country’s safety will be assured until a lasting peace is established. While NATO membership has been a long-standing aspiration for Ukraine, recent developments suggest that this option has been sidelined by U.S. officials.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the need for security guarantees for Ukraine, stating, “if there is peace then there needs to be some sort of security guarantee for Ukraine, and the U.K. will play its part in that.” This sentiment reflects the broader consensus among European leaders that a coordinated military presence may be essential to deter any potential aggression from Russia.
The discussions surrounding troop deployment have been ongoing for about a year, but recent geopolitical shifts have heightened the sense of urgency. European leaders are wary of U.S. President Donald Trump potentially negotiating a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin that could bypass their interests. The specifics of the proposed force remain largely undisclosed, as European nations seek to avoid giving Putin any strategic advantage in peace talks.
In December, a significant meeting occurred in Brussels, where leaders from Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Poland, along with top EU officials, conferred with Zelenskyy. The talks were influenced by an earlier proposal from French President Emmanuel Macron, who suggested the possibility of troop deployment in Ukraine—a notion that initially met with resistance from some European leaders.
As the discussions progress, many questions remain regarding the composition and size of the potential force. Zelenskyy has indicated a need for a substantial contingent, estimating between 100,000 and 150,000 troops, while media speculation suggests a more modest force of 30,000 to 40,000. However, European leaders acknowledge the challenges of mobilizing such numbers quickly, particularly given the varying political and logistical constraints within their respective countries.
Italian forces face constitutional restrictions on deployment, while the Netherlands and Germany would require parliamentary approval. Poland’s cautious stance stems from historical tensions with Ukraine, complicating the consensus on troop contributions.
Experts warn that any European military presence must be substantial and capable enough to deter Russian provocations effectively. Retired U.S. Army General Ben Hodges emphasized the need for a robust military force equipped with airpower and advanced defense systems, rather than a traditional peacekeeping mission. He cautioned that a light presence would likely be ineffective against potential Russian violations.
Despite the complexities of forming such a coalition, European leaders are increasingly recognizing the necessity of a strong military commitment. Macron has described the idea of a large-scale deployment as “far-fetched,” advocating for a measured and realistic approach to security in Ukraine.
U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have stressed the importance of international oversight along the conflict’s front lines but have also indicated that any U.S. troop involvement is unlikely. The U.S. has historically provided critical logistical and military support to European forces, and Hegseth highlighted that any security guarantees for Ukraine would require capable troops from both European and non-European nations.
From Ukraine’s perspective, the absence of American support would render any European-only mission ineffective. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha has underscored the essential role of the U.S. in providing security guarantees, emphasizing that any peace agreement must include robust international backing to ensure long-term stability in the region.