Europe could deploy up to 15,000 soldiers to Ukraine - Media
Deploying 10,000-15,000 soldiers from Europe will take six months (Gerry Images)
European countries intending to participate in the military component of the Coalition of the Willing could deploy up to 15,000 soldiers to Ukraine within the first six months after the war ends, Welt reports.
European countries are ready to join the Coalition of the Willing, sending military contingents to Ukraine to monitor compliance with a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, according to sources in Brussels.
In particular, France and the UK could provide security guarantees to Ukraine, including the deployment of ground forces to monitor the ceasefire. Depending on coalition members' commitments, up to 15,000 soldiers could be deployed to Ukraine during the first six months.
"The plans outlining what security guarantees for Ukraine could look like have already been finalized. Military experts essentially developed them from the British and French armed forces in cooperation with Brussels," the sources said.
No mandate required
According to sources, France and the UK are also willing to participate in ceasefire monitoring even without a mandate from the UK or the EU. For Paris and London, an invitation from Ukraine would suffice.
"Countries neighboring Ukraine would ensure ceasefire monitoring from the air and at sea. Türkiye would also play a certain role in the ceasefire monitoring plans. Ankara could oversee the Black Sea region,” the media added.
Security guarantees: Troop deployment
Ukraine is expected to hold several key meetings with partners from the Coalition of the Willing in the near future, as well as talks at the level of world leaders.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has previously confirmed that some European countries expressed willingness to send troops to Ukraine to help preserve peace, and if Russia violates a potential peace agreement. Details are still being finalized.
On December 16, it was also reported that leaders of countries participating in the Coalition of the Willing confirmed their readiness to deploy support forces in Ukraine as part of postwar security guarantees. They include the UK, which remains ready to deploy its troops to Ukraine, France, Portugal, and several other European states.
