A proposed Western troop presence in post-war Ukraine is drawing tepid support, with only six nations so far committing to the idea, according to a report by AFP. While the plan aims to bolster Ukraine’s long-term security, most of Kiev’s allies remain hesitant, uncertain about the mission’s scope, purpose, and potential fallout.
Following Thursday’s defense summit in Brussels—gathering roughly 30 NATO and EU-aligned nations—deep divisions emerged within what’s being dubbed the “coalition of the willing.” Despite ongoing talks, only the UK, France, and the three Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—have pledged to contribute troops. A sixth country remains unnamed.
British Defense Minister John Healey spoke with certainty, claiming the UK’s plans were “real and substantial.” He emphasized the deployment’s role in ensuring a “lasting peace” after the fighting ends, hinting at alignment with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s stated goal of a durable resolution.
Still, that confidence isn’t shared across the board. Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans questioned the mission’s overall purpose, stressing the importance of U.S. involvement. “What would we actually be doing there?” he asked, voicing concern over unclear mandates and the risk of direct conflict with Russia.
Sweden’s Defense Minister, Pal Jonson, echoed those doubts. He insisted Stockholm won’t sign on until the mission’s objectives—whether peacekeeping, deterrence, or reassurance—are clearly defined.
Washington, for its part, has repeatedly stated it won’t send troops to Ukraine, a stance that’s dampening enthusiasm among other potential contributors.
Meanwhile, Russia isn’t sitting quietly. Moscow has issued stark warnings against any Western troop deployments, especially from NATO countries. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev recently stated that the arrival of so-called “peacekeepers” would mark the beginning of a broader war between NATO and Russia.
As discussions drag on and uncertainty lingers, the idea of a Western “reassurance force” in Ukraine appears more like a diplomatic balancing act than a coordinated strategy.
