European powers plan post-conflict peacekeeping in Ukraine
A group of European countries is working on a strategy to send armed forces to Ukraine after the conflict with Russia concludes, reports AP. These efforts aim to ensure security in the post-conflict period and oversee the implementation of a future peace agreement.
The United Kingdom and France are leading the work on the plan to secure post-conflict Ukraine. The details of the project remain confidential to avoid giving a strategic advantage to Russian President Vladimir Putin in potential peace negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is demanding security guarantees for his country during the stabilisation period. The ideal solution would be NATO membership, but the United States has currently ruled out this possibility.
European consultations on peacekeeping forces
The issue first gained attention in December 2024. At that time, a meeting of European leaders with President Zelensky took place in Brussels. Representatives from the United Kingdom, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Poland, as well as high-ranking European Union officials, participated in the discussions.
The concept of sending troops to post-conflict Ukraine was initially proposed by President Emmanuel Macron at the beginning of 2024. Initially, the idea faced criticism, particularly from Germany and Poland, but over time it gained broader support.
The implementation of the plan faces several legal and political obstacles. Italy has constitutional limitations on the use of armed forces; the Netherlands and Germany require parliamentary approval; and Poland is exercising caution due to historical precedents.
Operational challenges and the American stance
Experts emphasise that European forces must be sufficiently numerous and well-equipped and cannot be limited to traditional UN "blue helmet" peacekeeping missions. It is necessary to provide air support, missile defence, and anti-drone systems.
Zelensky is advocating for a contingent numbering between approximately 65,000 and 97,000 soldiers. Media speculate about forces sizes ranging from around 20,000 to 27,000. None of these numbers have been officially confirmed by diplomats.
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth outlined the conditions for American support for the mission. He stated that the operation cannot be conducted under a NATO flag, and American soldiers will not be directly involved in the mission. However, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasised that effective security guarantees are not possible without the involvement of the USA.
