Europe considers deploying aircraft and navy to patrol Ukraine – WP
Illustrative photo: Europe is considering sending air and naval forces to Ukraine (Getty Images)
European countries are considering the possibility of sending air and naval forces to Ukraine after the war is over. The matter is being discussed within the “coalition of the willing”, reports The Washington Post.
As proposed by France and Britain, European troops of the “coalition of the willing” could become Ukraine's support after the war. French President Emmanuel Macron called them a “reassurance force.” According to the plan, they would help protect Ukrainian cities and key facilities away from the front line, as well as provide logistical support or training to the Ukrainian army.
European countries are planning to send a military team to Ukraine in the coming weeks to determine how many troops will be needed and where they should be deployed. The Europeans will consult with Ukraine on strengthening its army to hold the future front line.
The European focus has also shifted to air and sea forces, the two diplomats said, as army chiefs point to limits on deploying large forces on the ground and other countries offer their capabilities to patrol Ukraine's skies or the Black Sea.
Macron emphasized that Europe also wants the United States to participate in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. However, US President Donald Trump has not made any promises.
According to European diplomats, officials from the Trump team are sending “mixed” signals even in private conversations. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who played a key role in negotiations with Russia, recently called the initiative “simplistic.”
A French official told WP that Trump does not rule out US support, and that the discussions are “in perfect harmony with our American partners, who are interested in this approach and have told us it’s a good one.”
'Coalition of the willing' for Ukraine
Britain and France have led Europe's efforts to secure peace in Ukraine after the war. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron created a “coalition of the willing” that brought together countries that are willing to provide peacekeeping or other assistance to ensure peace.
The last summit of the coalition took place on March 27 in Paris, attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Other participants included the EU, Britain, Canada, Norway, and Türkiye.
After the summit, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that a plan to monitor the ceasefire in Ukraine would be presented within three weeks.
Macron also proposed deploying deterrence forces in Ukraine after the war ends as part of security guarantees. Macron explained that the troops could be deployed in strategically important areas of Ukraine, not at the front.
