Media: European nations reignite talks on deploying troops, PMCs to Ukraine

European countries have resumed discussions on the potential deployment of troops or private military contractors (PMCs) to Ukraine.

Talks about sending Western forces and private defence companies to Ukraine have intensified in recent weeks, Caliber.Az reports via French media.

This renewed focus is reportedly linked to concerns over a potential reduction in US support for Ukraine, particularly following the expected inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States on January 20, 2025.

To recap, the United States authorised a small number of American defence contractors to work inside Ukraine, tasked with maintaining and repairing weaponry provided by the Pentagon, according to US officials.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the US has been a crucial military supporter, committing over $60 billion in security aid. However, the US had refrained from allowing American military contractors to operate within Ukraine, concerned that their presence could lead to direct conflict with Russia.

In a notable shift in policy, President Joe Biden has approved the move before leaving office in January, US media reported ahead of the November 5 presidential election, which was won by Donald Trump.

Biden also intends to expedite billions of dollars in security aid to Ukraine before his term concludes. Trump, on the other hand, has been critical of the scale of US military and financial support for Ukraine and has pledged to end the war swiftly, though without outlining a clear strategy.

For the past two years, US and allied forces have been offering remote maintenance support to Ukrainian forces, using phones and tablets to communicate in encrypted chatrooms. According to officials, the decision to allow contractors to enter Ukraine is driven by the need for high-tech expertise to repair complex equipment, such as F-16 fighter jets and Patriot air defence systems.

This move will ensure the timely repair of critical weapons, enabling Ukrainian forces to continue their efforts in combat.

By Aghakazim Guliyev