Europe must be ready to send military forces to Ukraine - Estonian Foreign Minister
Photo: Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna (Getty Images)
Europe should be ready to send military forces to Ukraine to support a possible peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow if Donald Trump proposes one. NATO membership remains a reliable guarantee of security for Ukraine, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna says.
The minister stated that real security guarantees would mean the establishment of a just peace, which would involve NATO membership—a prospect that is impossible without the involvement of the United States. He added that this would also entail some form of guarantees, possibly including "boots on the ground."
Trump's victory in the US election has raised fears that he could impose a deal on Ukraine that favors Moscow by threatening to cut off US military aid. This has accelerated discussions among Ukraine's European allies about ways to support the country in the face of a possible change in Washington's position.
Tsahkna emphasizes that it will be very difficult for Europe to provide Ukraine with security guarantees without US involvement, especially if it could draw NATO into a direct clash with Russia. However, Estonia insists on intensifying European efforts.
The minister stated that the United Kingdom has both the opportunity and the responsibility to lead in strengthening Ukraine's security, noting that Poland is already playing a very active role.
Estonia, which spends 3.4% of its GDP on defense, also calls on NATO to increase the minimum spending to 2.5%.
Tsahkna noted that Europe should invest in expanding defense capabilities, emphasizing that there is plenty of money available and expressing disbelief in governments claiming they cannot ask more from their citizens.
The minister emphasized that Ukraine's fate determines the security architecture of the whole of Europe.
He concludes that Ukraine now serves as NATO's first line of defense.
Trump's plan to end Russia's war against Ukraine
Recently, the Associated Press reported that Donald Trump, according to his statements, plans to initiate negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on his first day in the White House.
Earlier, Trump had repeatedly claimed that he could end Russia's war against Ukraine in one day. The media reported that the discussions included an option that would require Ukraine to give up some of its territories.
UK news agencies also revealed a new version of Trump's so-called peace plan. According to this plan, a buffer zone may be created between Ukraine and Russia with the deployment of European military forces.
