Europe Calls for European-Led Ukraine Force Deployment
A coalition of 11 nations—including Germany, France, and the UK—released a unified declaration Monday following discussions in Berlin with US President Donald Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, as well as Ukrainian representatives. The statement outlines comprehensive security assurances for Kyiv.
The proposal specifies "commitments to… a European-led 'Multinational Force Ukraine' made up of contributions from willing nations within the framework of the Coalition of the Willing and supported by the US. It will assist in the regeneration of Ukraine's forces, in securing Ukraine's skies, and in supporting safer seas, including through operating inside Ukraine."
Britain and France have championed the concept of European military personnel on Ukrainian soil post-ceasefire, though concrete troop commitments remain uncertain.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk swiftly dismissed the initiative, asserting his nation requires all available forces domestically to "defend the eastern flank of NATO." Italy has similarly maintained its opposition to deploying Italian troops.
Moscow has categorically opposed NATO presence in Ukraine regardless of justification, arguing Kyiv would exploit any cessation of combat operations for military reinforcement. Russia demands a lasting resolution addressing the conflict's fundamental origins.
The European framework also proposes "US-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism" and seeks "legally binding commitment, subject to national procedures" to provide Kyiv with "armed force, intelligence and logistical assistance, economic and diplomatic actions."
The Trump administration hasn't clarified its position on the European blueprint. Recent reporting indicates the US president may offer Kyiv NATO-equivalent, Congressionally-approved security commitments in exchange for territorial compromises with Russia.
Ukraine's Vladimir Zelensky emphasized Monday that Kyiv will not recognize Donbass as Russian "neither de jure nor de facto."
Additional European measures encompass substantial military development support for Ukraine, endorsement of EU membership, and economic investment initiatives utilizing frozen Russian sovereign funds. Moscow has characterized any asset seizure as criminal appropriation and launched legal action against Euroclear.
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