France and the UK have expressed their readiness to send troops to Ukraine to monitor a possible ceasefire even without a mandate from the UN or the European Union. According to the German publication Die Welt, citing diplomatic sources in the EU, an official invitation from the Ukrainian authorities will be sufficient for these countries to deploy their contingents.
According to the publication, Paris and London are leading the way in preparing a plan to create a “coalition of the willing” to ensure Ukraine’s security after a potential ceasefire. In the first six months after the cessation of hostilities, European countries could send 10,000 to 15,000 troops as part of a deterrent force. France and the UK have emphasized that they are prepared to use ground forces to maintain peace if necessary.
The plans are being developed with the leading participation of French and British military experts in cooperation with Brussels, but without coordination with the US. Previously, both Washington and Moscow opposed the deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine.
These statements fit into the broader context of discussions about security guarantees for Kyiv in the event of a peace agreement. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have repeatedly emphasized the need for robust measures to prevent a resumption of aggression.
The reaction of other countries varies: some European states support the idea but prefer to limit themselves to logistics or training, avoiding the direct deployment of troops. Russia consistently rejects any scenario involving NATO troops on Ukrainian territory.
The deployment of the contingent is only possible after a truce has been reached and does not involve participation in active combat operations on the front lines.