Britain and France are working on creating a European force to ensure Ukraine’s security in the event of a ceasefire.
British media cited "Western officials" as saying on Thursday that the force would consist of fewer than 30,000 troops. It would be primarily air and naval-based with minimal ground presence, away from the front line in eastern Ukraine.
The objective of the force would be to prevent Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, ports, and infrastructure in the event of a US-brokered ceasefire.
Other nations to be involved in the plan
A French source close to the discussions, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the French Army’s Centre for Planning and Conduct of Operations (CPCO) is working on security guarantees for Ukraine.
The source stated that troops would be deployed in a second line, rather than at the frontline with Russian forces, potentially as part of a multinational operation including non-European contingents in the first line.
This initiative is not just a Franco-British one, but would involve other nations, such as Denmark and the Baltic states, with major troop contributions from France and the UK.
US air cover
European leaders fear that US President Donald Trump might end the Ukraine war, started by Russia three years ago, under terms favourable to Moscow without offering security assurances to Kyiv.
A condition for this plan would be US “air cover” to deter Russia from violating any ceasefire agreement.
The French Army would likely need to deploy nearly all available equipment and arms to secure these deployments, leaving limited resources in case of worsening conditions, according to the French source.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously called for a Western force of at least 100,000 troops.
No US troops?
Donald Trump has expressed strong support for European peacekeeping troops in Ukraine, while Russia firmly opposes their deployment.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated in mid-February that “American troops will not be deployed in Ukraine.”
Relations between the Ukrainian and US presidents worsened recently after Trump labelled Zelensky a dictator.
In this context, French President Emmanuel Macron and the British Prime Minister are expected in Washington next week to meet the US President.
Keir Starmer has expressed readiness to send troops to Ukraine if necessary and has urged the US to provide “security guarantees” in Ukraine. This, he believes, is “the only way” to deter Russia from attacking again.
Protection for Black Sea trade
One of the European force’s goals would be to reopen Ukrainian airspace for commercial flights and ensure the security of maritime trade in the Black Sea, crucial for the country’s food exports.
Other major European armies, like Poland’s, are hesitant before the May presidential election, due to political divisions.
On the other hand, Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken has shown support for Belgium's participation in an international peacekeeping force if a peace agreement is reached.
