European leaders eye troops for Ukraine ceasefire, seek US backing

European leaders are exploring the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine as part of a ceasefire agreement, while also seeking US support for the mission.

With the Trump administration pushing forward with direct negotiations with Russia, European backers of Ukraine are scrambling to secure a role in discussions that could significantly reshape the continent’s security landscape, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

French President Emmanuel Macron is leading efforts to rally European support, convening a meeting of top leaders in Paris to discuss the potential deployment of a European force. Macron, who had a phone call with US President Donald Trump ahead of the meeting, is working to forge a consensus on the next steps.

While the US has ruled out sending troops to Ukraine, European officials say that Washington has not dismissed the idea of supporting a European force. US officials have asked what kind of assistance might be necessary, including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance capabilities, air cover, and help with air defenses to protect the force. A US questionnaire sent to European capitals is prompting more serious discussions on the matter.

The European plan envisions a “reassurance” or “deterrence” force of around 25,000 to 30,000 troops, stationed outside the conflict zone but ready to intervene if Russian forces attempt to escalate the war. France has advanced the most in military planning, with the potential commitment of nearly 10,000 troops, while other European countries remain more cautious due to military constraints.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in a significant move, announced that Britain is prepared to deploy troops in Ukraine “if necessary.” Starmer emphasized that any role in securing Ukraine is essential for European security. France and the UK, the only two European nuclear powers, have led discussions, which also involve countries like Poland, the Netherlands, Germany, and Nordic and Baltic states.

Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans stressed the need for more than just US political backing, adding that “we need to have the United States on board” to ensure escalation dominance in case of conflict. Discussions over the specifics of the European plan are expected to intensify in the coming weeks.

By Vafa Guliyeva