European troops in Ukraine essential for Trump’s peace deal, says Estonia

Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has stated that European countries must be prepared to send troops to Ukraine to support any peace agreement brokered by Donald Trump between Kyiv and Moscow.

While Tsahkna acknowledged that NATO membership remains the best security guarantee for Ukraine, he argued that if the US opposes inviting Ukraine into the alliance, Europe would need to step in to deter further Russian aggression once the conflict ends, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Tsahkna emphasized that, without US backing, any security guarantees for Ukraine would require European forces on the ground. He also pointed out that if a peace deal is reached, it should ensure a “just peace,” with NATO membership being the ultimate security guarantee. However, he noted that such a move would be impossible without the US.

Trump’s promise to end the war in Ukraine quickly upon taking office has sparked concerns in Kyiv about potential concessions, with some fearing that the former president could pressure Ukraine into an unfavorable deal by threatening to withdraw US military support.

Tsahkna mentioned that the election result has prompted increased discussions among Ukraine’s allies about how to ensure Ukraine’s security and how to pressure Moscow into negotiations.

Estonia, a strong supporter of Ukraine, has been vocal in urging other European nations to provide more military aid. Tsahkna stressed that Europe cannot solely rely on the US to support Ukraine, especially as NATO could be drawn into a larger conflict with Russia. He also pointed out that if Russia wins, the Baltic states could be next.

Several analysts suggest that a coalition of willing European countries, such as Poland, the UK, and the Nordic and Baltic states, could take the lead in providing security guarantees to Ukraine. Tsahkna also noted that France and Germany would need to be involved, with Germany being a key donor of military aid to Ukraine.

With the future of NATO’s defense strategy at stake, Tsahkna argued that Europe must invest more in defense, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

By Vafa Guliyeva