European leaders discuss Ukraine troop plan
European leaders have discussed a plan to send British and French troops to Ukraine as part of a potential future peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow.
The meeting took place on Tuesday, August 19, and was held online.
According to Bloomberg, which cited anonymous sources, the discussions focused on the number and deployment of troops. In total, including the UK and France, around 10 countries have reportedly expressed their willingness to send military personnel to Ukraine.
Phases of the European plan
The first phase of the European-led plan involves strengthening Ukraine’s armed forces by training its soldiers and increasing troop numbers. According to sources, this part of the plan would be handled by a "multinational group, composed mainly of European military personnel," including "hundreds" of British and French soldiers. They would be deployed to Ukraine, but far from the front line.
Another part of the plan, Bloomberg reports, involves US support, which would include security information sharing, border surveillance, arms deliveries and possibly anti-aircraft defence systems.
Guarantees under negotiation
According to a statement from the British government released after the meeting, the "coalition of the willing" planning group will meet with its US partners in the coming days to discuss "robust security guarantees and preparations for the deployment of support forces in the event of a cessation of hostilities".
Bloomberg's sources state that the commander of US Air Forces in Europe and Africa, Lieutenant General Alexus Grynkewich, along with the chiefs of the defence staff from Nato member countries, will participate in the discussions. The British newspaper the Guardian reports that the government in London confirmed Chief of the Defence Staff Tony Radakin would be present to reconfirm the UK's commitment to contributing military personnel to protect Ukraine's airspace and maritime space, but without deploying British troops near the line of contact.
US will not send troops
White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt has said US President Donald Trump has "definitively ruled out" sending US military personnel to Ukraine as part of the security guarantees. "Of course, we can help with coordination and possibly provide other means to ensure the security of our European allies," Ms Leavitt added.
In a separate interview, Mr Trump said Washington may consider providing air support to Ukraine. "They'd probably be discussing air support, because nobody has what we have. I don't think that would be a problem," he said.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
