Starmer to propose plan for deploying 30,000 European peacekeepers to Ukraine during US visit – The Telegraph
Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will present a peacekeeping plan to US President Donald Trump that would see up to 30,000 European troops deployed to Ukraine to enforce a ceasefire. The document proposes US involvement, although without US troops being stationed in the country.
The Telegraph reports, citing sources.
As the publication notes, Starmer will explain in detail in Washington next week how European forces could enforce a ceasefire if Trump brokers it.
The Telegraph reports that the Anglo-French strategy for deploying peacekeeping forces was presented to European leaders during an emergency meeting in Paris on February 17. The strategy was developed out of concerns that the US might withdraw from Ukraine shortly after a ceasefire agreement is reached.
At the meeting in Washington, Starmer will argue that it is in the United States's interest to remain involved in preventing a third Russian invasion after the end of hostilities.
The plan calls for at least 30,000 European troops to be stationed far from the front lines in Ukrainian cities, ports, and critical infrastructure, including nuclear power plants.
The unnamed Western official said that rather than deploying more peacekeepers, the mission would rely on "technical monitoring," including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft, drones, and satellites, to provide "a complete picture of what's going on. "
The operation will also be backed up with enough firepower to "track and repel these attacks" and reopen Ukrainian airspace to commercial flights.
In addition, patrol ships will be sent to the Black Sea to secure commercial shipping lanes.
Leaving the talks in Paris, Starmer said that such an operation would require a "US defensive mechanism" to deter Russia from a potential attack:
- This could include US fighter jets based in Romania and Poland, ready to respond to any potential Russian aggression.
- A more significant multinational ground force could also be deployed on NATO's eastern borders to protect European troops in Ukraine if necessary.
The Telegraph writes that if Trump supported the strategy, US troops would not be deployed in Ukraine.
A European official told the publication that NATO would also have to start discussing Article 5 on mutual defense, according to which an attack on one member is an attack on all.
Although there is no expectation that the clause will apply to European troops stationed in Ukraine, some countries will insist that it will apply if Moscow decides to attack their territory through the deployment of soldiers.
It should be noted that Ukraine's European partners have a unified and clear position on the war unleashed by the Russian Federation. They will take responsibility for peace and security in Europe and continue supporting Ukraine.
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Moreover, French leader Emmanuel Macron announced the possibility of deploying troops to Ukraine's territory, sparking a discussion among Ukraine's allies.
Later, France explained that it was not about directly sending troops to participate in hostilities. Some NATO countries, including Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Canada, said they were ready to consider such an opportunity.
In January of this year, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that Germany is ready to consider participating in peacekeeping missions in Ukraine. Still, this issue will arise only when the appropriate time comes.
In turn, President Volodymyr Zelensky previously stated that since Ukraine needs security guarantees until there is an invitation to join NATO, the proposal of the head of France regarding the presence of troops of other states on Ukrainian territory can be considered.
On February 13, the Ukrainian leader said that 100,000 peacekeepers would be needed to maintain peace between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. The Ukrainian military has already prepared a map for the allies.
