Kallas on foreign troops in Ukraine: Nothing can be ruled out
Head of European Diplomacy Kaja Kallas (photo: wikimedia.org/Kaja_Kallas)
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, does not rule out the presence of foreign troops in Ukraine. She also believes that Europe can play a role, according to ANSA.
“So far, the discussion has centered on which countries are ready to send soldiers to Ukraine and which are not. I believe that nothing can be ruled out and a certain strategic ambiguity should be maintained in this matter,” Kallas said in her first interview in her new position.
In her opinion, Europe could “play a role” if it is possible to reach a ceasefire with the need to send troops to verify its observance. “In any case, the choice in this regard remains with Ukraine,” she added.
She also said that she is already building bridges with the future new US administration.
“But when I hear reports from member states that have had talks with the Trump administration... they no longer say that ending this war is easy. Maybe we should ask ourselves if the ceasefire is useful to the Russians so that they don't give up their goals. Because Ukraine is having a hard time right now, but we are overestimating Moscow: their economy has entered a difficult phase - sanctions, deficits, inflation and a shortage of personnel,” Kallas said and emphasized that supporting Ukraine is in the interests of the United States, as a victory for Moscow would strengthen China, Iran, and North Korea.
The idea of sending troops to Ukraine
In the summer, French President Emmanuel Macron suggested that NATO forces could be deployed to support Ukraine. This sparked a broad discussion among the allies. However, it was not about participation in combat operations, but about the work of military instructors. Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Canada said they were ready to discuss options.
According to Le Monde, after Donald Trump's victory in the US election, discussions resumed. In particular, Paris and London may allegedly lead a foreign military contingent. According to the sources, the debate is classified, but the discussion of the possible deployment of both regular troops and private military companies has intensified.
Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said that the position has not changed and that London does not intend to send troops to Ukraine.
To recap, the idea of European troops is likely to be included in Trump's plan. According to The Telegraph, the new American president may call on the European Union and the United Kingdom to send troops to secure a buffer zone between Ukraine and Russia along the demarcation line if a truce is reached.
