European leaders are considering sending up to 100,000 troops to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire or peace agreement. Negotiations on this issue are at an early stage and are taking place under the leadership of French President Emmanuel Macron.
However, according to sources, already at this stage there are disagreements regarding the goals and mandate of the potential mission. Discussions also touch on the expediency of discussing this idea in the current conditions.
According to preliminary plans, European deterrence forces in Ukraine may be formed by a coalition of five to eight countries. Their composition will probably include the troops of France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Great Britain.
The number of such forces is estimated differently so far. Some analysts believe that 40,000 military personnel will be enough to complete the tasks. At the same time, Austrian military expert Franz-Stefan Gadi noted that in the case of a rotation scheme, which includes the training and restoration of units, the total number of military personnel involved may reach 100,000.
"This will definitely greatly stretch the European ground forces," Gadi emphasized.
One of the European officials, speaking anonymously, also confirmed that up to 100,000 military personnel may be needed to carry out the mission.
The discussion of the possibility of creating such forces demonstrates the readiness of Europe to increase its participation in the stabilization of the situation in Ukraine after the potential end of hostilities. However, the final decision will depend on many factors, including the formulation of peace agreements and international support for this initiative.
