European troops and aerial power poised for post-ceasefire Ukraine
The British daily, the "Daily Telegraph," has disclosed a plan to deploy up to 30,000 European soldiers in Ukraine following a potential ceasefire with Russia. The mission is expected to receive support from the United States. According to the "Financial Times," possible ground forces would be backed by British and French air forces.
The "Daily Telegraph" reports that soldiers would be stationed in Ukrainian cities, ports, and at critical infrastructure locations. Their role would include monitoring the situation using drones, satellites, and reconnaissance aircraft, providing a comprehensive overview of the situation in Ukraine.
American assistance will involve maintaining fighter jets and missiles at the ready, positioned on NATO's eastern flank. In the event of a ceasefire violation by Russia, these forces would be deployed to protect the mission.
The proposal, crafted by the United Kingdom and France, was presented at summits in Paris. However, not all countries are in favour of this plan. Germany, Spain, and Italy have expressed opposition to sending troops to Ukraine. Additionally, Polish politicians have not agreed to participate in such missions.
British and French in Ukrainian skies
The "Financial Times" indicates that there is a plan under consideration that involves increased use of air power, a domain in which the West has substantial superiority over Russia.
"The area we have a significant advantage over Russia is in the air and in [our] ability to respond to [any] flagrant abuses of a ceasefire," a Western official told the newspaper. "It is a punitive approach, to be able to punish Russia if that were to emerge," he noted, emphasizing that the "whole idea is that the challenge does not emerge."
"Troops on the ground would need to be ready to fight in order to deter," revealed a second source from the "Financial Times." A third source highlighted that some capitals had already discussed the preliminary proposals with NATO's military leadership.
"Discussions are still in progress with several countries," stated a fourth Western official.
