Countries seek military deployment in Ukraine (26 in total)

The international community is closely watching developments regarding the potential deployment of NATO troops to Ukraine, following a series of high-level meetings and discussions.

After a visit to Washington, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky awaited concrete commitments from the United States, but these have been slow to materialize. Meanwhile, Germany, a key player in the European Union, has not yet expressed a willingness to participate.

The deployment could involve ground, air, or naval forces, but specifics such as the countries involved, the number of soldiers, and the exact manner of involvement remain undisclosed. However, Denmark, Estonia, and Lithuania have already given their assurances for troop deployment.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany suggested that the focus should be on financing, arming, and training Ukrainian military forces, rather than direct troop involvement. Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron of France stated that the force has neither the will nor the goal to wage wars against Russia, but to secure peace and send a clear strategic signal.

Sweden has offered to contribute to peace efforts by providing airspace surveillance and naval support. The Netherlands has also stated that it can provide assistance by air, sea, and land. France and the UK have agreed to send several thousand soldiers.

Russia, however, has rejected Western considerations for security guarantees, including the deployment of troops from NATO countries in Ukraine. If Moscow continues to reject concrete peace talks, further contacts between Americans and Russians on this matter will occur.

The Czech Republic considers the discussion on the deployment of troops premature, while Lithuania expresses caution. The main burden of deployment would fall on European NATO members.

Strengthening the Ukrainian army after the end of the war was considered the most important element of security guarantees for Ukraine, apart from troop deployment. The force will be deployed within the framework of a ceasefire, not on the front line, but in areas that are currently being determined.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has defended ongoing plans for European troops in Ukraine, even after a possible ceasefire with Russia. If an agreement acceptable to Moscow is not reached, Russia has threatened to continue the war.

The force's primary role could involve large-scale training operations, rather than a classic peacekeeping force. President Macron discussed new sanctions to stop Russia's war efforts with President Trump during a phone call. If Moscow continues to reject concrete peace talks, further contacts between Americans and Russians on this matter will occur.

The discussions and decisions surrounding the potential deployment of NATO troops to Ukraine continue to evolve, with 26 Western countries, including France and the European Union, prepared to deploy troops to support a ceasefire or peace between Russia and Ukraine. The situation remains fluid, and updates are expected in the coming days.