US media, citing anonymous sources, reported that European officials met on 19/8 to discuss plans to send French and British troops to Ukraine as part of a potential peace agreement between Kyiv and Moscow.
"During the meeting, the scale and location of troop deployments were discussed. Around 10 countries expressed their willingness to send forces to Ukraine," a source said, without disclosing the specific countries involved.
In the initial phase, a multinational force, primarily composed of European soldiers, including hundreds of British and French personnel, would be deployed away from the front lines to assist the Ukrainian army with training and reinforcements.
In the subsequent phase, the parties involved hope for US support through intelligence sharing, border surveillance, weapons provision, and potentially air defense. European officials expect the US to at least provide intelligence data and military equipment through its European partners.
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British soldiers conduct live-fire exercises in 2023. Photo: British Ministry of Defence |
British soldiers conduct live-fire exercises in 2023. Photo: British Ministry of Defence
Neither European nor Ukrainian officials have commented on the information.
President Donald Trump on 19/8 dismissed the possibility of deploying US troops to Ukraine even if a peace agreement is reached, but said Washington is willing to assist Kyiv with air patrols. "We are ready to support them in many ways, especially in the air, because the US has equipment that no one else has," he said.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt later stated that President Trump understands that security guarantees are crucial for achieving lasting peace. "He has directed the national security team to coordinate with our friends in Europe and to continue cooperating and discussing these matters with Russia and Ukraine," Leavitt said.
The British government announced on 19/8 that European military officials will meet with their US counterparts in the coming days to clarify details about security guarantees for Ukraine and prepare for troop deployment to the country after the fighting ends.
"The terms of the security guarantees for Ukraine are expected to be agreed upon in the coming days, ideally this week," said President of the European Council Antonio Costa.
The prospects for peace in Ukraine are increasing after President Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and European leaders in recent days. On 18/8, Trump announced that he is arranging a Russia-Ukraine summit, as well as a trilateral meeting with the US.
Pham Giang (Telegraph, Kyiv Independent)
