NATO members might send air and naval forces to Ukraine, according to WaPo
Several European countries are reportedly reconsidering the deployment of ground troops to Ukraine. According to a Sunday report by the Washington Post, France and the UK have suggested sending naval and air forces to support Ukraine during...
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Several European countries are reportedly reconsidering the deployment of ground troops to Ukraine.
According to a Sunday report by the Washington Post, France and the UK have suggested sending naval and air forces to support Ukraine during ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
These two NATO allies are also advocating for a European-led 'reassurance force' to be stationed in Ukrainian cities and areas away from active conflict zones, although this proposal has faced pushback from other members of the alliance.
A French-British military delegation is slated to visit Ukraine in the upcoming weeks to evaluate the necessary troop levels and potential sites for deployment, as reported by the WaPo.
Unnamed diplomats familiar with the situation indicated that “the European focus has also shifted to air and sea power” due to uncertainty regarding the West's ability to sustain a significant number of ground troops. Some NATO members have suggested redirecting their resources to conduct patrols in the skies or over the Black Sea.
Despite these developments, some European officials express skepticism about reaching a ceasefire—an essential condition for troop deployment—anytime soon. The discussions surrounding military assistance to Ukraine have been characterized by some diplomats as “an exercise in preparation and leverage.”
Furthermore, several European nations appear reluctant to commit troops without a commitment from the US for intervention in the event of escalation, with European leaders seeking American support in terms of air defense systems, intelligence, and heavy airlift capabilities. However, US President Donald Trump has not provided definitive assurances, with his team sending mixed messages regarding the feasibility of such an option.
While Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, recently called the initiative “simplistic,” a French official familiar with the discussions stated to the WaPo that talks are advancing “in perfect harmony with our American partners, who are interested in this approach and have told us it’s a good one.”
In response, Russia has issued warnings regarding any unauthorized deployment of foreign troops to Ukraine, viewing them as legitimate targets. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has articulated Moscow's opposition to the idea of NATO forces in Ukraine, regardless of whether they are deployed “under a foreign flag, under the flag of the European Union or national flags.”
Ian Smith for TROIB News
According to a Sunday report by the Washington Post, France and the UK have suggested sending naval and air forces to support Ukraine during ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
These two NATO allies are also advocating for a European-led 'reassurance force' to be stationed in Ukrainian cities and areas away from active conflict zones, although this proposal has faced pushback from other members of the alliance.
A French-British military delegation is slated to visit Ukraine in the upcoming weeks to evaluate the necessary troop levels and potential sites for deployment, as reported by the WaPo.
Unnamed diplomats familiar with the situation indicated that “the European focus has also shifted to air and sea power” due to uncertainty regarding the West's ability to sustain a significant number of ground troops. Some NATO members have suggested redirecting their resources to conduct patrols in the skies or over the Black Sea.
Despite these developments, some European officials express skepticism about reaching a ceasefire—an essential condition for troop deployment—anytime soon. The discussions surrounding military assistance to Ukraine have been characterized by some diplomats as “an exercise in preparation and leverage.”
Furthermore, several European nations appear reluctant to commit troops without a commitment from the US for intervention in the event of escalation, with European leaders seeking American support in terms of air defense systems, intelligence, and heavy airlift capabilities. However, US President Donald Trump has not provided definitive assurances, with his team sending mixed messages regarding the feasibility of such an option.
While Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, recently called the initiative “simplistic,” a French official familiar with the discussions stated to the WaPo that talks are advancing “in perfect harmony with our American partners, who are interested in this approach and have told us it’s a good one.”
In response, Russia has issued warnings regarding any unauthorized deployment of foreign troops to Ukraine, viewing them as legitimate targets. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has articulated Moscow's opposition to the idea of NATO forces in Ukraine, regardless of whether they are deployed “under a foreign flag, under the flag of the European Union or national flags.”
Ian Smith for TROIB News
