European Nations Consider Sending Troops to Ukraine Amidst Ongoing Tensions with Russia

Several European countries, including France, the UK, and Poland, are considering sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine. Leaders from these nations have discussed potentially deploying up to 30,000 soldiers to monitor ceasefire adherence, should agreements be reached between Moscow and Kyiv. This information was reported by The Washington Post on Monday, February 17th, citing sources familiar with unofficial discussions on Ukraine and European security held in Paris. Poland has expressed readiness to provide logistical and political support to countries willing to send peacekeeping forces to Ukraine. Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated on Monday, February 17th, that Poland is prepared to offer logistical and political assistance to nations that may want to provide such guarantees in the future. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also indicated London's willingness to deploy a British peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine to ensure security guarantees. According to media reports, the British Prime Minister discussed this initiative with French President Emmanuel Macron. France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated the need to continue negotiations regarding troop deployments with France, the UK, and Poland. Ukrainian officials have mentioned the potential deployment of 40,000 to 50,000 foreign soldiers to participate in guaranteeing security along the front line, which stretches for 1,000 kilometers, according to The Financial Times. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a contingent of at least 200,000 European peacekeepers in Ukraine would be necessary as a security guarantee during conflict resolution with Russia. He emphasized that this is the minimum requirement.