UK, France consider troop deployment along Ukraine’s frontline
Photo: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron (Getty Images)
London and Paris are considering the possibility of joining the monitoring of a ceasefire regime if negotiations between Ukraine and Russia take place and a corresponding agreement is reached. The option of sending British and French military personnel to the frontlines is being discussed, reports Radio Liberty.
A senior NATO official told Radio Liberty on condition of anonymity that representatives of the British and French governments are exploring various options to ensure Ukraine's security if peace talks begin between Kyiv and Moscow and decisions are made to halt the fighting.
According to the NATO representative, one potential scenario that could be proposed to Ukraine and Russia is deploying French and British troops along the frontline to monitor the ceasefire regime that could be reached through negotiations.
The senior NATO official also noted that such discussions are taking place only in some countries and not at the NATO level.
Radio Liberty reports that Paris and London are working to prepare options for different scenarios in case the new US administration raises the issue after Donald Trump’s inauguration. These options aim to outline how European countries might engage and provide ready options for supporting Ukraine.
The NATO representative further told reporters that developing specific options for supporting Ukraine is essential to ensure the involvement of European allies in peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, mediated by Trump.
Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia
There are currently no negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow regarding the cessation of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. The Ukrainian side has repeatedly emphasized that the Kremlin has not abandoned its intentions to destroy Ukraine’s statehood and further occupy the country’s territory. Russia also shows no desire to halt its war of aggression.
Meanwhile, following Donald Trump's victory in the US elections, the topic of a possible diplomatic resolution to Russia’s war against Ukraine has gained momentum. At the same time, various versions of Trump's peace plans regarding Ukraine and Russia occasionally appear in the media. However, these plans have not been officially confirmed.
Recently, CNN reported that Trump may be pressured to call for a ceasefire on the frontline before negotiations begin.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously outlined clear conditions for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia mediated by the US.
Additionally, on December 2, during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Kyiv, President Zelenskyy used "undiplomatic language" when commenting on possible peace talks with Russia.
Sending Western troops to Ukraine
In February, French President Emmanuel Macron suggested the possibility of deploying NATO forces to support Ukraine. His idea sparked broad debate among allies. However, the discussion was not about combat involvement but the role of military instructors. Meanwhile, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Canada expressed willingness to discuss options.
Recently, French publication Le Monde reported that discussions have resumed following Trump's election victory. According to the media, Paris and London might lead a foreign military contingent.
According to The Telegraph, Trump may call on the EU and the UK to send troops to secure a buffer zone between Ukraine and Russia along the frontline if a ceasefire is reached.
Earlier, British Defense Secretary David Lammy emphasized that the country’s position remains unchanged, and London has no plans to send troops to Ukraine.
