European NATO Countries Preparing for Ukraine Troop Deployment, According to WaPo
The Washington Post reports that several nations are actively seeking to shape future negotiations led by the United States. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The newspaper reports that various countries are attempting to sway future US policy in the region.
According to The Washington Post, Western European leaders are considering the deployment of troops to Ukraine as part of a potential ceasefire agreement with Russia. The talks, said to be in preliminary stages, arise as NATO members examine strategies to give Kiev an advantage in possible negotiations to resolve the ongoing conflict.
This notion was reportedly introduced during a meeting led by NATO Chief Mark Rutte in Brussels on Wednesday, which included Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky as well as several leaders from the alliance.
Additionally, the idea was presented to US President-elect Donald Trump during recent discussions in Paris, attended by Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron. Officials familiar with the talks, who requested anonymity, indicated that Trump was interested but has not yet taken a definitive stance as his team is still developing its policy.
The proposed plan entails a European-led peacekeeping force that would function outside of NATO’s framework. Leaders believe this could serve as a security guarantee for Ukraine, which is unlikely to join the alliance in the near future. Macron initially suggested the idea in February and has since sought support from various European nations, including Britain and several Baltic and Nordic countries.
Details surrounding the force are still vague, but it would demand substantial commitments—potentially involving tens of thousands of troops—to operate effectively while minimizing vulnerability to attacks, as noted by the newspaper. Discussions reportedly also focus on clarifying the force’s mandate.
Zelensky has openly endorsed the proposal, asserting it should enhance Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership rather than serve as a substitute. He reiterated in Brussels on Thursday that, in his view, the bloc’s mutual defense clause remains the only genuine security guarantee for the country.
On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed his willingness for peace negotiations with Ukraine, stressing that any agreement must tackle critical security concerns. These include Ukraine's renunciation of NATO aspirations, acknowledgment of new territorial realities, and commitment to a neutral status.
During his annual Q&A session in Moscow, Putin emphasized that these measures are essential for achieving lasting regional stability and mutual security. He expressed Russia’s readiness to negotiate without preconditions, proposing the suggested steps as a pragmatic basis for enduring peace that protects the strategic interests of all parties involved.
The Post mentioned that Western European leaders view the proposal as a means to shape any US-led negotiations with Moscow and to demonstrate their solidarity with Ukraine. An unnamed European diplomat remarked to the outlet, “We need something sustainable,” underscoring the necessity of thorough planning before engaging with officials in Washington.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
According to The Washington Post, Western European leaders are considering the deployment of troops to Ukraine as part of a potential ceasefire agreement with Russia. The talks, said to be in preliminary stages, arise as NATO members examine strategies to give Kiev an advantage in possible negotiations to resolve the ongoing conflict.
This notion was reportedly introduced during a meeting led by NATO Chief Mark Rutte in Brussels on Wednesday, which included Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky as well as several leaders from the alliance.
Additionally, the idea was presented to US President-elect Donald Trump during recent discussions in Paris, attended by Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron. Officials familiar with the talks, who requested anonymity, indicated that Trump was interested but has not yet taken a definitive stance as his team is still developing its policy.
The proposed plan entails a European-led peacekeeping force that would function outside of NATO’s framework. Leaders believe this could serve as a security guarantee for Ukraine, which is unlikely to join the alliance in the near future. Macron initially suggested the idea in February and has since sought support from various European nations, including Britain and several Baltic and Nordic countries.
Details surrounding the force are still vague, but it would demand substantial commitments—potentially involving tens of thousands of troops—to operate effectively while minimizing vulnerability to attacks, as noted by the newspaper. Discussions reportedly also focus on clarifying the force’s mandate.
Zelensky has openly endorsed the proposal, asserting it should enhance Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership rather than serve as a substitute. He reiterated in Brussels on Thursday that, in his view, the bloc’s mutual defense clause remains the only genuine security guarantee for the country.
On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed his willingness for peace negotiations with Ukraine, stressing that any agreement must tackle critical security concerns. These include Ukraine's renunciation of NATO aspirations, acknowledgment of new territorial realities, and commitment to a neutral status.
During his annual Q&A session in Moscow, Putin emphasized that these measures are essential for achieving lasting regional stability and mutual security. He expressed Russia’s readiness to negotiate without preconditions, proposing the suggested steps as a pragmatic basis for enduring peace that protects the strategic interests of all parties involved.
The Post mentioned that Western European leaders view the proposal as a means to shape any US-led negotiations with Moscow and to demonstrate their solidarity with Ukraine. An unnamed European diplomat remarked to the outlet, “We need something sustainable,” underscoring the necessity of thorough planning before engaging with officials in Washington.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
