European efforts to establish security arrangements for Ukraine are moving away from deploying troops, as political and logistical constraints, along with opposition from Russia and the United States, complicate such plans. France, in collaboration with Britain, is hosting a summit with leaders and delegations from 30 countries to explore alternative strategies.
Rethinking Troop Deployment
While initial plans by London and Paris involved sending thousands of troops to Ukraine to safeguard a potential ceasefire, diplomats now acknowledge that this is unlikely. “They are taking a step back from ground troops and trying to re-dimension what they were doing to something that could be more sensible,” said a European diplomat. Another added, “With the situation on the ground and the U.S. administration as it is, it’s not very sexy.”
Ukraine has consistently emphasized the need for firm security guarantees from the West to prevent future Russian aggression. However, Moscow has firmly rejected any proposals involving NATO troops in Ukraine.
Diverging Views and U.S. Skepticism
French President and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have proposed contributing troops to a future force, but their efforts to secure U.S. backing have been unsuccessful. President Donald Trump initially praised the proposals but later expressed skepticism, with his envoy Steve Witkoff dismissing them as “a posture and a pose.”
Exploring Alternatives
The Paris summit will focus on strengthening Ukraine militarily, monitoring ceasefires, and protecting critical infrastructure. European officials are considering a range of options, including a potential reassurance force as part of a peace settlement, with U.S. support. Individual countries may still deploy soldiers for training and support roles.
Long-Term Vision
European military officials stress the importance of defining clear missions for any future force. Discussions are also exploring Europe’s role in bolstering NATO forces in neighboring countries like Romania. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has suggested extending NATO’s mutual defense treaty to include Ukraine, offering a cost-effective security guarantee.
While the deployment of a large European force in Ukraine appears unlikely, the ongoing discussions highlight Europe’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s security and maintaining momentum in the face of complex challenges. The project is expected to evolve over several years, reflecting the dynamic nature of the situation.
