The Telegraph: Peacekeeping plan for Ukraine hinges on Putin’s approval

Plans by European allies to deploy peacekeeping troops to Ukraine as part of a future ceasefire arrangement may depend on approval from Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising doubts about the viability of the initiative, according to diplomatic and defence sources.

Officials from several countries participating in the so-called coalition of the willing have privately acknowledged that their potential troop contributions would be conditional on Russia’s consent, sources told The Telegraph. Diplomats warned that this effectively gives Moscow significant leverage over an Anglo-French proposal designed to enforce a ceasefire and deter renewed aggression.

The issue emerged as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hosted European leaders in Kyiv to mark four years since the start of the war and joined a virtual meeting of the coalition chaired by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron. Despite three rounds of ceasefire negotiations, Kyiv and Moscow remain deadlocked, with Russia insisting Ukraine cede territory in the Donbas region and disputes continuing over postwar security guarantees.

The United Kingdom and France have pledged troops and military support as part of a deterrence force, with at least 26 countries — including European Union members as well as Türkiye, Norway and Iceland — signalling readiness to assist. However, diplomats warned that without Russian approval, any European deployment could be treated as a legitimate military target.

Some European officials fear that linking peacekeeping arrangements to ongoing ceasefire negotiations has effectively handed Moscow a veto over the mission. A defence source described the prospect of deployment as largely hypothetical, citing Russia’s longstanding opposition to NATO troops operating in Ukraine.

Tensions have intensified after Russia’s foreign intelligence service accused Britain and France of preparing to send nuclear weapons to Kyiv, a claim widely viewed by Western officials as escalating rhetoric ahead of negotiations. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said the issue would be raised with Washington.

Meanwhile, coalition leaders including Britain, France and Germany pledged to increase economic pressure on Moscow, while London announced its largest sanctions package since the war began. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte urged allies to expand military assistance, stressing that Ukraine requires sustained supplies of weapons and ammunition to hold the front line.

European unity also showed strains after Hungary blocked a new European Union sanctions package and a €90 billion loan for Kyiv. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said his country would not provide funds, troops or direct involvement in the conflict.

Former UK prime minister Boris Johnson argued that Western allies must intensify pressure on Moscow, including stronger sanctions, expanded military support for Ukraine and the use of frozen Russian assets, warning that negotiations would remain stalled unless the Kremlin faces greater pressure.

By Tamilla Hasanova