Moscow cautioned that Western troop deployment could lead to occupation.
According to The Wall Street Journal, citing European sources, the UK and France are considering sending up to 30,000 “peacekeepers” to Ukraine, contingent on a ceasefire agreement between Moscow and Kiev.
The plan hinges on securing a limited commitment from US President Donald Trump, as the US has refused to send troops to Ukraine. The UK and France hope the US will provide essential support, including air defense, logistics, and intelligence.
European officials told the WSJ that the peacekeeping plan would face significant obstacles without Trump’s support.
The proposed “reassurance force,” mainly composed of British and French personnel, would prioritize protecting key infrastructure, cities, and ports, rather than being stationed on the front lines with Russia. The plan also includes using drones and satellites to monitor Russia’s adherence to any ceasefire, according to WSJ.
Prior reports indicated that while the UK and France have been strong advocates for deploying troops to Ukraine, several other EU countries have been hesitant.
Kiev is also reportedly wary of the plan. Mikhail Podoliak, an advisor to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, stated that deploying foreign peacekeepers “does not seem very realistic for now,” suggesting increased defense spending from Western allies instead.
Zelensky previously suggested that Ukraine might need up to 200,000 European soldiers to guarantee any peace agreement with Russia, a force that Western media outlets say would be difficult for the West to assemble.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has rejected NATO troop deployment in Ukraine as unacceptable. Moscow has warned that any foreign military presence would be considered a legitimate target.
In November, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) suggested that the West might attempt to “essentially occupy Ukraine” under the guise of peacekeeping, potentially involving up to 100,000 troops and dividing the country into four occupation zones.
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