Europe assembles Ukraine peaceforce plan as US commitment wavers

Defence ministers from some 30 countries convened at NATO headquarters on April 10 to advance plans for a multinational troop deployment to Ukraine, intended to oversee and enforce any future peace deal with Russia.

But as European capitals push forward, the absence of a clear U.S. commitment casts a shadow over the effort — a critical test of the continent’s resolve to act independently in securing regional stability, Caliber.Az reports, citing U.S. media.

Defence ministers from around 30 countries met in Brussels on April 10 to move forward with proposals to send troops to Ukraine in the event of a future peace agreement with Russia. The deployment, aimed at safeguarding any potential ceasefire, would mark a significant step towards a European-led security framework — though concerns remain over the lack of U.S. involvement.

The meeting at NATO’s headquarters marked the first official gathering of defence leaders from the so-called "coalition of the willing" and followed a recent visit to Kyiv by senior British and French military officials. It builds on an earlier agreement among national leaders, which participants are now working to define in more practical terms.

Notably absent from the coalition talks was the United States, whose support — particularly through airpower and broader military backing — is widely regarded as essential to the mission’s credibility. However, the Trump administration has so far declined to commit publicly.

“The United States is a crucial player still in guaranteeing lasting security in Ukraine,” said Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen. Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson echoed the sentiment, stressing that success “requires some form of U.S. engagement.”

Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans called American involvement “very important,” though he acknowledged it might take different forms depending on the structure of any eventual European mission. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the group was “trying to keep the United States on board.”

With U.S. officials signalling that Europe must increasingly shoulder responsibility for both its defence and that of Ukraine, the proposed peacekeeping force is seen as a litmus test for European strategic autonomy.

While its composition remains undecided — and will ultimately hinge on the terms of a peace deal — officials say the force is unlikely to be deployed directly along the Russia- Ukraine border. Instead, it could be stationed away from the frontlines, potentially even outside Ukrainian territory, ready to respond in the event of renewed Russian aggression.

British officials have floated estimates of between 10,000 and 30,000 troops, though assembling such a force is proving a challenge. Many European nations reduced their armed forces after the Cold War and are now racing to rebuild them.

Defence ministries are also wary of contributing troops without firm U.S. backing. “Countries are understandably hesitant,” said one NATO official, “because a credible deterrent without America becomes significantly harder to achieve.”

Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials and military analysts have warned that Russia is preparing a new offensive aimed at increasing pressure on Kyiv ahead of ceasefire talks. This backdrop adds urgency to the peacekeeping discussions.

On Friday, a broader gathering of defence representatives from approximately 50 nations — co-chaired by the United Kingdom and Germany — will meet at NATO to rally continued military support for Ukraine. U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, is not expected to attend.

By Aghakazim Guliyev