British PM to present plan for troops deployment in Ukraine to Trump
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (Photo: Gett Images)
The United Kingdom and France are developing a plan to deploy up to 30,000 European troops in Ukraine. Such a scenario is possible if a ceasefire agreement is reached, according to The Wall Street Journal.
As the agency notes, the European proposal depends on whether US President Donald Trump can be convinced to agree to a "limited military role" for the US (which British officials refer to as "support") to protect European troops in Ukraine if they face danger and to deter Russia from violating any ceasefire agreement.
Officials who spoke with The Wall Street Journal expressed the view that without Trump's assistance, the European plan to send troops to Ukraine faces a "difficult path."
European officials, speaking anonymously, stated that Starmer is expected to discuss the developing plan with Trump on Thursday but is unlikely to make a specific request for American assistance at this stage.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron, who will meet with Trump on Monday, February 24, is expected to present the broader views of European allies on the war.
Europe’s plan for troop deployment in Ukraine
According to The Wall Street Journal, deploying European troops in Ukraine envisions a US role as a "pillar of support," while American troops would not be stationed on Ukrainian territory.
At the same time, the plan assumes that the US could deploy air defense systems in neighboring countries, which would cover Ukrainian territory and provide additional air defense systems to European forces.
Specifically, US air defense forces stationed outside Ukraine could be placed on high alert in case European troops find themselves in danger.
However, officials who spoke with journalists did not hide that without Trump's backing, the European plan to send troops to Ukraine will face significant challenges.
Main challenge for Europe regarding possible troop deployment in Ukraine
At the same time, The Wall Street Journal notes that Europe may face a "major challenge" — Trump’s desire to strengthen ties with Russia.
As previously reported, Europe may send 25,000 and 30,000 soldiers to Ukraine as part of a potential ceasefire agreement.
At the same time, the US opposes extending NATO’s Article 5 protection to European troops who may be deployed in Ukraine after the war ends.
Furthermore, it has already been clarified that European troops will not be assigned a "peacekeeping" mission in Ukraine if deployed after a ceasefire.
