Up to 15,000 European Troops Could Protect Ukraine Under New Security Plans

European countries are preparing to provide Ukraine with security guarantees, including the possible deployment of ground forces.

The Gaze reports this, citing WELT.

According to diplomatic sources in Brussels, plans for security guarantees for Ukraine have already been developed by military experts from the United Kingdom and France in cooperation with Brussels. 

France and Great Britain are ready to provide “robust” guarantees, which include the potential use of ground forces to ensure compliance with peace. 

The estimated number of such troops during the first six months would range from 10,000 to 15,000, depending on the number of participating countries.

In addition, the two countries are prepared to participate in monitoring the ceasefire. 

“France and Great Britain are ready to participate in monitoring the ceasefire even without a mandate from the United Nations (UN) or the European Union,” diplomatic sources told WELT. An invitation from Ukraine would be sufficient for them to deploy their armed forces for the mission.

Air and maritime monitoring of the ceasefire is planned to be carried out by Ukraine’s neighboring countries, while Turkey may oversee the Black Sea region.

Discussions have long been underway regarding the possible deployment of European troops in Ukraine after the war. Such a presence is seen as an important element of security guarantees and a deterrent against further Russian aggression.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that an international contingent would not replace existing security mechanisms but would significantly strengthen them. 

According to Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Mykhailo Podolyak, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Turkey are ready to participate in a post-war military presence in Ukraine. 

He added that discussions are ongoing regarding operational issues such as funding, coordination and command. Each potential contributor should act according to its own strategic interests, with Turkey aiming to prevent destabilization of the Black Sea.

The Gaze previously reported that, as the Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk sasted, US declared its readiness to participate in security guarantees for Ukraine by deloying troops to monitor compliance with peace.