https://sputnikglobe.com/20250219/unpacking-the-european-peacekeeper-debacle-in-ukraine-1121583578.html
Unpacking the European Peacekeeper Debacle in Ukraine
Unpacking the European Peacekeeper Debacle in Ukraine
Sputnik International
Donald Trump has dismissed the idea of American boots on the ground in Ukraine, but what is Europe’s reaction?
2025-02-19T13:55+0000
2025-02-19T13:55+0000
2025-02-19T13:55+0000
world
europe
donald trump
emmanuel macron
keir starmer
ukraine
france
article 5
united kingdom (uk)
nato
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Donald Trump has dismissed the idea of American boots on the ground in Ukraine, stating that “you know, we’re very far away.” US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that any security guarantee for Ukraine “must be backed by capable European and non-European troops,” suggesting deployment as part of a non-NATO mission without invoking Article 5. Here’s how Europe is responding: 1. Open to Participation: France: Emmanuel Macron has led the debate on deploying boots on the ground since early 2024, but has acknowledged that the idea of a large force is “far-fetched.” UK: Keir Starmer is “prepared to consider committing British forces on the ground alongside others if there is a lasting peace agreement.» He added that “there must be a US backstop.” 2. Against: Poland: Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that no neighboring state should participate in a potential stabilization mission in Ukraine. 3. Cautious Approach: Germany: Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized the idea as “completely premature” and “highly inappropriate.” Italy: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described it as “the most complex and least effective option.” Spain: Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares stated that it is “too early” to discuss this move.Crucial Factors to Consider: 1. Risk of escalation: There is growing concern about the potential for increased confrontation with Russia. 2. Resource allocation: Decades of underinvestment and reliance on the US for security have left Europe facing critical gaps in military readiness, personnel, and equipment.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240505/boots-on-the-ground-french-foreign-legion-dispatched-to-ukraine-ex-dod-official-claims-1118274817.html
https://sputnikglobe.com/20241111/eu-has-no-decision-to-send-troops-to-ukraine-under-any-capacity—spokesman-1120854310.html
ukraine
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2025
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ukraine crisis, russia-nato showdown, ukraine conflict, ukraine hostilities, eu ukraine, europe ukraine, us boots on the ground in ukraine, will europe send its military to ukraine, will the us send its forces to ukraine, who will send peacekeepers to ukraine, will us send peacekeepers to ukraine
At an emergency meeting in Paris, European leaders remained divided on the idea of deploying «peacekeepers» to Ukraine, a plan some of the continent’s nations had started discussing last year at France’s insistence.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that any security guarantee for Ukraine “must be backed by capable European and non-European troops,” suggesting deployment as part of a non-NATO mission without invoking Article 5.
Here’s how Europe is responding:
1. Open to Participation:
He added that “there must be a US backstop.”
Poland: Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that no neighboring state should participate in a potential stabilization mission in Ukraine.
💬NO COUNTRY BORDERING RUSSIA should send troops to Ukraine – Polish Defense Minister
Poland has no plans to send its military to Ukraine, and there is currently no EU coalition ready for peacekeeping deployment, Kosiniak-Kamysz was quoted as saying by the PAP news agency. https://t.co/NxfjRtn7OB pic.twitter.com/ulyqv61LAd
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) February 19, 2025
Germany: Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized the idea as “completely premature” and “highly inappropriate.”
Italy: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described it as “the most complex and least effective option.” Spain: Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares stated that it is “too early” to discuss this move.
Crucial Factors to Consider:
1. Risk of escalation: There is growing concern about the potential for increased confrontation with Russia.
2. Resource allocation: Decades of underinvestment and reliance on the US for security have left Europe facing critical gaps in military readiness, personnel, and equipment.