Von der Leyen on Europe and detailed plan to deploy troops to Ukraine
Photo: Ursula von der Leyen (Getty Images)
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that EU countries are working on "pretty precise plans" for a potential deployment of military forces in Ukraine as part of post-war security guarantees. These guarantees will be fully backed by commitments from the United States, according to The Financial Times.
According to Ursula von der Leyen, each EU country will make its own decision on whether to send troops. She emphasized that US President Donald Trump has assured European leaders that American involvement will be part of the security umbrella, a commitment she said has been "very clear and repeatedly affirmed."
The prospective force could number tens of thousands of soldiers under European command, supported by the United States with command-and-control systems as well as intelligence and surveillance capabilities.
Von der Leyen underlined that following any peace agreement, Ukraine will need a significant number of troops, adequate pay for service members, and modern equipment, areas where the EU will have to contribute. She declined to provide further details but said discussions on security guarantees are "really taking shape."
The EU also plans to continue financing the training of Ukrainian soldiers after a peace deal. Brussels is urging member states to use the €150 billion defense loan facility either for joint production deals with Ukrainian defense companies or for weapons procurement to be transferred to Kyiv.
"The role of the commission is paramount in enabling the member states to finance a surge in defence," von der Leyen said, noting that the nature of warfare has changed dramatically. She pointed to the need for EU militaries to invest in drones, air and missile defense, as well as space and cyber capabilities.
On August 31, von der Leyen visited Bulgaria, highlighting its strong defense industry. She noted that Bulgaria is the only EU state where the largest private employer is an arms manufacturer, producing a significant share of the munitions, explosives, and weaponry supplied to Ukraine. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, roughly one-third of the weapons delivered to Ukraine have come from Bulgaria, she said.
Meanwhile, on July 23, the US State Department and the Pentagon approved two military aid packages for Ukraine worth a combined $322 million.
