EU and UK discuss deploying 30,000 troops to monitor Ukraine ceasefire
Leaders from the European Union and the United Kingdom have discussed the possibility of deploying up to 30,000 troops to Ukraine to monitor a potential ceasefire agreement between Moscow and Kyiv.
The information was reported by The Washington Post on February 17, citing sources familiar with the informal summit on Ukraine and European security held the same day in Paris, according to DW.
According to sources cited by The Washington Post, between 25,000 and 30,000 soldiers from European states could form multiple brigades to be deployed in Ukraine. However, the plan does not envision peacekeeping forces being stationed directly on the front lines unless necessary. The soldiers would serve to deter any potential resumption of hostilities by Russia, as noted by the American publication.
The discussions are still in their early stages, with two of the WP sources pointing out that some European countries are facing logistical challenges and limited military resources. However, the publication did not specify which countries are involved in these talks.
In parallel, European states are seeking clarification from the U.S. administration regarding the level of military support Washington intends to provide Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement. For their part, the U.S. is looking to understand what commitments of support European countries will make, according to WP.
Previously, President Donald Trump stated that European countries should take on a more significant role in protecting Ukraine, arguing that Russia does not represent a direct threat to the European Union or NATO.
Scholz criticizes discussions about sending troops to Ukraine
According to The Washington Post, France is the best-prepared state for such a mission. It is estimated that Paris could deploy up to 10,000 troops, and in January 2025, the French military conducted specific exercises for a potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. Additionally, the United Kingdom has expressed support for this initiative.
On the other hand, Poland and Germany have opposed the proposal. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized the discussions about sending troops, stating that he is "irritated" by the topic, as there have been no peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine yet.
"Discussions are taking place about potential outcomes of peace talks that have not even occurred, and Ukraine is not involved. It is extremely inappropriate to address this issue now. We have not reached peace; we are in the middle of a brutal war triggered by Russia, which continues unrestricted," said Scholz.
Zelensky: Ukraine needs an army of 1.5 million soldiers for its security
At the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that if Ukraine does not join NATO, the best guarantee of security would be to have an army comparable in size to Russia's.
"Real security guarantees are those that make Putin understand that Russia has an army of 1.5 million soldiers, and Ukraine has an army of 1.5 million. If he wants to come and die—well, here we are," Zelensky stated.
The Ukrainian president explained that this "army of 1.5 million" could include international contingents stationed within the country. "It doesn't matter where these forces come from; what matters is that we need an army of 1.5 million if we are not NATO members. If we truly want, after the ceasefire, not to fear a new occupation or a new Russian invasion," Zelensky concluded.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
