European troop deployment to Ukraine faces public resistance amid security concerns

Plans to send thousands of European troops into Ukraine, contingent on a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow, are encountering significant skepticism from the European public and political leaders.

The proposal, initially supported by France and the UK, envisions a “reassurance force” to deter future Russian aggression. President Trump has recently expressed openness to providing some form of US security guarantees to Ukraine, lending momentum to the initiative, The Wall Street Journal reports.

However, public opinion across Europe presents a formidable obstacle. Many voters oppose any deployment that risks placing troops in harm’s way, while Eastern European countries are reluctant to divert military forces from their own borders, which are critical to NATO’s eastern defence line. Opposition is also strong in Italy and Germany, where historical memories of World War II influence public attitudes.

When German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced plans to consult parliament on a potential military deployment, reactions were cautious. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned that the Bundeswehr’s capacity was already stretched due to commitments like the armored brigade in Lithuania. With the government holding only a slim parliamentary majority, opposition parties on both the far-right and far-left remain staunchly against sending troops. A recent Insa poll showed 56% of Germans oppose a deployment, an increase from earlier this year.

“I fear the Bundeswehr may not have the capacity to take on such a task without leaving us unprotected at home,” said Leonard Wolters, 28, a marketing professional from Berlin.

In France, support for deployment depends heavily on the presence of a final peace accord. A March Elabe poll revealed 67% support deployment if such a deal exists, but 68% oppose it otherwise. Nicolas Degages, a Parisian stage technician, voiced skepticism: “If we’re in Ukraine to rebuild, fine. But if we’re there to create doubts and maintain a war, then there’s no point.”

European officials concede that without clear US backing, public support for any troop deployment will remain elusive. Trump has ruled out ground troops but hinted at some form of security role.

Northern European countries such as the Netherlands, Denmark, and Estonia have shown willingness to contribute troops, recognizing the broader security implications. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that deployed forces would be stationed at key infrastructure points away from combat zones. “The objective of these reassurance forces is not to be guarantors of peacekeeping operations. They are not going to hold the border,” Macron said, adding the French forces would “provide strategic support.”

In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer supports deployment only if the US commits to backstop British troops under attack. While most Britons favor peacekeeping involvement, they are wary of provoking Russia. The British military’s role will likely focus on maritime and air operations and training Ukrainian forces, as manpower constraints have scaled down ambitions for a 30,000-strong European force. France and the UK now plan to contribute between 6,000 and 10,000 troops combined.

Populist opposition remains vocal. Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini criticized Macron’s advocacy for the force, saying, “You go there if you want. Put your helmet on, your jacket, your rifle and you go to Ukraine.”

Poland, a major supporter of Ukraine’s war effort, has drawn a firm line against sending troops, citing heightened risk of escalation along its border. Public opinion in Poland reflects this caution: a March poll found 58.5% strongly oppose sending troops, with another 28% leaning against it.

As European leaders push for a peacekeeping presence to safeguard the continent’s security and demonstrate commitment to Ukraine, public reluctance and geopolitical concerns pose significant hurdles to turning plans into reality.

By Vafa Guliyeva