Germany and Poland Oppose the Deployment of Peacekeepers to Ukraine – Media
European countries are divided on the issue of potentially deploying a peacekeeping mission to Ukraine. The United Kingdom, France, and the Scandinavian countries support the initiative, while Germany, Poland, and the Baltic states are concerned it may weaken NATO's defense capabilities, reports NewsBox.
European nations have not been able to reach a consensus about deploying peacekeepers in Ukraine. According to The Times, the UK, France, and several Scandinavian countries are willing to back the idea of sending tens of thousands of troops, provided there's a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Germany, Poland, and the Baltic states oppose this, fearing such action might undermine NATO's defenses on the Russian border.
One of the key questions remains U.S. approval. While London claims Europe can manage without Washington, European ministers are considering involving the U.S., specifically in providing air defense systems, intelligence, and air cover. However, Donald Trump has previously stated that he has no intention of engaging the U.S. in military or financial commitments regarding this matter. Nonetheless, there is hope in London to change his stance.
A British army source indicated that the UK could contribute between 10,000 to 25,000 troops, though this would significantly strain the military. Therefore, some experts suggest an alternative — a UN peacekeeping mission including troops from India, Bangladesh, and China.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to discuss this initiative at a meeting with EU leaders and the NATO Secretary General in Brussels this coming Monday. However, the fate of the peacekeeping mission will depend not only on the decisions of Europe and the U.S. but also on Russia's position.
If Russia does not agree, the idea is dead, and if the U.S. doesn't provide military support, the idea is dead. Never say never, but I don't see how this albatross will take flight, a high-ranking military source told The Times.
He also expressed the opinion that Vladimir Putin would be more likely to accept a UN-led mission than the deployment of a European military contingent.