ISW: Kremlin rejects NATO forces in Ukraine post-war security

The United States has indicated it could provide key support to a European-led security force in postwar Ukraine. 

Washington is reportedly prepared to offer “strategic enablers,” including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), command and control (C2), and air defence assets, to bolster a European deployment on the ground, Caliber.Az reports, citing ISW.

European sources said that such support would be essential for any troop deployment, with U.S. aircraft, logistics, and ground-based radar expected to underpin a no-fly zone and air shield over Ukraine. The officials said Washington’s backing would depend on European countries committing “tens of thousands” of troops.

Ukrainian forces would defend behind a demilitarised zone patrolled by neutral peacekeepers, while NATO allies would train and arm these units. A European-led deterrence force would operate deeper inside Ukraine, with U.S. assets positioned further in the rear.

The proposal faces strong opposition from Moscow. Kremlin officials have repeatedly rejected the notion of Western security guarantees for Ukraine, particularly any presence of NATO troops.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Western countries should not be responsible for Ukraine’s postwar security, while Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on August 18 that Russia “categorically rejects” any scenario involving NATO forces in Ukraine.

A security arrangement combining U.S. support and a European-led ground force would likely face Kremlin resistance, officials familiar with the discussions said.

By Aghakazim Guliyev