Six nations ready to send troops to Ukraine, others seek clarity on mission scope
Photo: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron (Getty Images)
European defense ministers have held new talks on the potential deployment of troops to Ukraine. Around six countries are now reportedly ready to send soldiers, according to AFP and RBC-Ukraine's sources.
According to European officials, about six nations, including the United Kingdom, France, and the Baltic states, have expressed their willingness to provide troops.
Meanwhile, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans raised several questions regarding the deployment.
“What is the potential mission, what is going to be the goal? What is the mandate? What would we do in the different scenarios, for example, if there would be any escalation regarding Russia?” he asked.
The minister also stressed the importance of having the United States involved.
“It also needs to be clear what type of mission it is and what we ask from the United States,” he added.
Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson , also said that Stockholm has “a number of questions that we need to get clarified” before making any commitments.
“It's helpful if there's a clarity of what that mission would entail, and what do we do - if we are peacekeeping, deterrence, or reassurance,” he said.
RBC-Ukraine's sources confirmed that indeed, 5–6 countries, including the UK and France, are considering sending troops to Ukraine, including the UK and France.
German participation would be an incentive for the Allies
According to one source, Germany's joining the group of countries considering sending troops to Ukraine would be a major boost to the initiative.
The source noted that if Germany joined, it would be a serious incentive for many other countries to get involved as well.
However, several RBC-Ukraine sources say Germany’s participation appears highly unlikely due to various political reasons.
The source added that while US involvement in any form would be extremely beneficial, the mission would not be canceled if Washington decides not to participate.
European backers of the idea remain committed regardless of the US position.
Earlier today, Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds stated during a meeting of the so-called Coalition of the Willing that Latvia is ready to be part of this group supporting Ukraine. He also noted that certain details of the future military support are still classified.
Coalition of the Willing
The initiators of the Coalition of the Willing were the UK and France. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the creation of the coalition on March 2, 2025.
French President Emmanuel Macron, as the author of the idea with the contingent, stated that it was a so-called support force that could be deployed after a truce was reached.
It should be noted that a meeting of the coalition representatives was recently held in Kyiv. Read more about the meeting in the material by RBC-Ukraine.
