European leaders are contemplating the deployment of a peacekeeping force to Ukraine to uphold a potential ceasefire, as discussions intensify amidst ongoing Russian aggression. The proposed force would primarily consist of troops from the UK, France, and Turkey. However, Eastern European nations, especially those bordering Russia, express concerns about potential vulnerabilities at their own borders. Poland has been notably vocal about these fears since the proposal was first introduced.
A senior official highlighted that it is a "reasonable assumption" that Britain, France, and Turkey would contribute the majority of the troops. Meanwhile, a timeline for initiating confidence-building measures, including a limited ceasefire and prisoner exchanges by Easter, is under discussion. Nevertheless, officials acknowledge that achieving these goals within the proposed timeframe might prove "challenging."
In parallel with these talks, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced an ambitious plan to rearm Europe. The European Union could mobilize up to 800 billion euros ($862 billion) to strengthen its defense capabilities. Von der Leyen emphasized the urgency of the situation with her statement:
“We are in an era of rearmament.”
The EU-wide meeting on Thursday includes every nation in the bloc, underscoring the collective commitment to addressing security challenges. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky received a warm welcome from von der Leyen in Brussels, contrasting sharply with his recent reception at the White House.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, Russia continues its daily assaults on Ukraine. Not all European countries are willing to support Ukraine's fight for survival. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban remains one of the most notable dissenting voices, resisting calls for military support to Kyiv. His stance reflects a broader hesitance among some nations to engage in military support for Ukraine.
The summit in London on Sunday saw some progress, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announcing that a small group of European countries would collaborate with Zelensky on a ceasefire proposal. This initiative aims to foster dialogue and potentially pave the way for a peaceful resolution.
The decision to deploy a peacekeeping force comes at a time when Eastern European states are cautious about their security. An unnamed European official remarked:
“European NATO has about 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles) of eastern border, so you don’t want to empty the eastern border.”
Russia's ongoing military actions create an urgent backdrop for these discussions. As European leaders gather to deliberate peacekeeping strategies, Moscow's relentless aggression underscores the critical need for decisive action.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's perspective further highlights the divide within Europe regarding military intervention. He stated:
“Strong men make peace, weak men make war.”
