Security guarantees are crucial and absolutely necessary," European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen said in an interview on 31/8, referring to the plan to protect Ukraine after the conflict with Russia. "We have a clear roadmap and have reached an agreement at the White House. The work is progressing very well."

She said European countries are drafting detailed plans for "a multinational troop deployment with US support". "President Trump has reassured us that the US will participate and play a supporting role. This is very clear and has been reaffirmed many times," the EC president added.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at a press conference in July. Photo: Reuters

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at a press conference in July. Photo: Reuters

The information was released as Von der Leyen toured Eastern European EU countries bordering Russia last week, where she focused on efforts to boost defense spending and strengthen the continent's combat readiness.

Ukraine has requested that Western allies make concrete security commitments to Kyiv, including the deployment of troops to the country. This is Ukraine's most important condition for any peace agreement to end the conflict that has lasted more than three years.

The planned force is expected to consist of tens of thousands of European-led troops, with support from the US in command and control systems, along with intelligence and surveillance resources. The agreement was reached at a meeting between US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and senior European leaders last month.

Von der Leyen said that last week, defense leaders of the "alliance of goodwill" supporting Kyiv met and "came up with quite specific plans" to build an effective military force in Ukraine.

"Of course, this always requires the political decision of the countries involved, because deploying troops is one of the most important sovereign decisions of a nation," the EC president noted. "But we all feel the urgency. Things are moving forward."

Von der Leyen added that the EC will seek new funding sources to provide "sustainable financial resources for Ukraine's armed forces as part of the security guarantee".

After the peace agreement, Kyiv will need "a considerable number of soldiers, they need good salaries and, of course, modern equipment. The EU will certainly have to contribute," she emphasized.

Experts believe that the deployment of Western troops to Ukraine after the conflict will provide significant support for Kyiv, creating a strong deterrent to prevent future attacks from Moscow.

According to three diplomats familiar with the matter, European officials are scheduled to meet in Paris on 4/9 at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron to continue discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine.

Vu Hoang (FT, Reuters, AFP)