Staff Report
As former U.S. President Donald Trump pushes forward with his own efforts to end the war between Ukraine and Russia, European leaders are exploring options for securing stability in Ukraine following any ceasefire agreement.
One emerging proposal, backed by the UK and France, involves deploying European forces to Ukrainian cities, ports, and key infrastructure sites to help maintain security and encourage the return of millions of displaced Ukrainians. While troops would not be stationed near frontline areas or operate as peacekeepers, they could serve as a stabilizing presence in major urban centers and around critical national assets, including nuclear power plants.
A European-Led Security Framework
Though officials have not disclosed exact troop numbers, estimates suggest a force of between 25,000 and 30,000 personnel—a fraction of the 110,000 troops Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said would be necessary for a comprehensive international security force.
Additional security measures under discussion include:
- Air policing missions using fast jets stationed outside Ukraine to facilitate the reopening of Ukrainian airspace for civilian flights.
- Naval deployments to the Black Sea, assisting in demining operations and protecting Ukraine’s maritime trade routes.
- Surveillance operations utilizing satellites, spy planes, and drones to monitor security threats.
The Role of the U.S. in Europe’s Strategy
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to meet with Donald Trump in the coming days, though it remains unclear if the European security proposal will be part of their discussions. Meanwhile, the UK is also preparing to host a Ukraine summit with European allies following Starmer’s talks in Washington.
However, European leaders acknowledge that any security force in Ukraine would require U.S. backing as a deterrent against potential Russian aggression. Starmer has referred to a U.S. “backstop”, though he has not provided details on what it would entail. Some officials suggest it could involve American military aircraft stationed outside Ukraine as part of a broader security arrangement.
Despite these discussions, Trump’s defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, has ruled out sending American troops to Ukraine, and the Kremlin has warned that any NATO or European troop presence in Ukraine would be “unacceptable.”
Ukraine’s Security Dilemma
President Zelenskyy has been clear about his country’s urgent security needs. If European troops cannot provide sufficient guarantees, Ukraine would require massive financial and military assistance to develop its own one-million-strong army and comprehensive air defense system—potentially including U.S. Patriot missile systems, which Kyiv hopes to purchase or produce under license.
“Ukraine does not have many security guarantee options,” Zelenskyy said on Wednesday. “We need security guarantees this year because we want to end the war this year.”
As diplomatic and military discussions unfold, the shape of Europe’s role in Ukraine’s future remains uncertain. However, with Russia continuing to pose a major threat, the next few months could be pivotal in determining whether European forces will play a direct role in stabilizing the country.
