AFP: Only six Western states willing to deploy troops to Ukraine
Kiev's supporters remain divided over the idea of establishing a "reassurance force" that could be deployed to Ukraine after the conflict with Moscow comes to an end. According to AFP, only six Western nations have committed to sending troops...
TroibNews 
Kiev's supporters remain divided over the idea of establishing a "reassurance force" that could be deployed to Ukraine after the conflict with Moscow comes to an end.
According to AFP, only six Western nations have committed to sending troops to Ukraine following the cessation of hostilities. The majority of Ukraine's allies appear hesitant to make any solid promises.
This information follows the recent gathering of defense ministers from the so-called "coalition of the willing" in Brussels. Comprising around 30 nations, mainly from the EU and NATO, the coalition seems to be at odds regarding the possible deployment. Members are voicing concerns about the objectives and mandate of the suggested mission.
As of now, only six countries—among them the UK, France, and the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—have agreed to provide troops, as reported by AFP, referencing unnamed European officials. The identity of the sixth nation was not disclosed.
Britain has asserted that the coalition is actively preparing for deployment, with claims that the troops would help foster a "lasting peace" between Russia and Ukraine.
“Our planning is real and substantial. Our plans are well developed,” UK Defense Minister John Healey remarked during the meeting. He further emphasized, “Our reassurance force for Ukraine would be a committed and credible security arrangement to ensure that any negotiated peace does bring what [US President Donald] Trump has pledged, a lasting peace for Ukraine.”
Yet, other members of the coalition have expressed reservations regarding the mission, withholding commitments until plans are more thoroughly outlined. Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans mentioned the necessity of having the US involved, even though Washington has consistently stated it plans no troop involvement in Ukraine.
“What is the potential mission, what is going to be the goal?” Brekelmans queried. “What is the mandate? What would we do in the different scenarios, for example, if there would be any escalation regarding Russia?”
Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson emphasized that "a number of questions that we need to get clarified" need addressing before any commitments can be made. “It’s helpful if there’s a clarity of what that mission would entail, and what do we do - if we are peacekeeping, deterrence or reassurance,” he stated.
Moscow has repeatedly cautioned the West against sending troops to Ukraine under any circumstances, particularly warning against NATO forces being stationed in the country. Last month, former Russian President and Deputy Chair of Russia’s Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, asserted that the introduction of NATO "peacekeepers" in Ukraine would trigger a war between the alliance and Russia.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
According to AFP, only six Western nations have committed to sending troops to Ukraine following the cessation of hostilities. The majority of Ukraine's allies appear hesitant to make any solid promises.
This information follows the recent gathering of defense ministers from the so-called "coalition of the willing" in Brussels. Comprising around 30 nations, mainly from the EU and NATO, the coalition seems to be at odds regarding the possible deployment. Members are voicing concerns about the objectives and mandate of the suggested mission.
As of now, only six countries—among them the UK, France, and the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—have agreed to provide troops, as reported by AFP, referencing unnamed European officials. The identity of the sixth nation was not disclosed.
Britain has asserted that the coalition is actively preparing for deployment, with claims that the troops would help foster a "lasting peace" between Russia and Ukraine.
“Our planning is real and substantial. Our plans are well developed,” UK Defense Minister John Healey remarked during the meeting. He further emphasized, “Our reassurance force for Ukraine would be a committed and credible security arrangement to ensure that any negotiated peace does bring what [US President Donald] Trump has pledged, a lasting peace for Ukraine.”
Yet, other members of the coalition have expressed reservations regarding the mission, withholding commitments until plans are more thoroughly outlined. Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans mentioned the necessity of having the US involved, even though Washington has consistently stated it plans no troop involvement in Ukraine.
“What is the potential mission, what is going to be the goal?” Brekelmans queried. “What is the mandate? What would we do in the different scenarios, for example, if there would be any escalation regarding Russia?”
Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson emphasized that "a number of questions that we need to get clarified" need addressing before any commitments can be made. “It’s helpful if there’s a clarity of what that mission would entail, and what do we do - if we are peacekeeping, deterrence or reassurance,” he stated.
Moscow has repeatedly cautioned the West against sending troops to Ukraine under any circumstances, particularly warning against NATO forces being stationed in the country. Last month, former Russian President and Deputy Chair of Russia’s Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, asserted that the introduction of NATO "peacekeepers" in Ukraine would trigger a war between the alliance and Russia.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
