Deploying Western peacekeepers in Ukraine faces significant hurdles, according to sources speaking to Radio Free Europe.
EU deployment of peacekeepers to Ukraine is highly improbable, particularly without US involvement, reported Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) on Wednesday, citing sources.
“Two key reasons preclude European troops in Ukraine: Russian opposition and domestic resistance within Europe,” an anonymous EU diplomat told the news agency. The diplomat warned that sending Western troops to Ukraine to potentially die would empower populist movements.
Another unnamed EU official described the deployment of foreign soldiers as highly unlikely. “While a desirable idea, the skepticism evident in countries like the Czech Republic and Poland, potential troop contributors, highlights the challenges,” the source noted.
An EU diplomat predicted a difficult year ahead for Ukraine. “Favorable outcomes are scarce,” the source stated, suggesting a potential outcome resembling the 2014-2015 Minsk agreements, which temporarily halted large-scale fighting in Donbass.
President Putin has cited Ukraine’s alleged non-compliance with the Minsk accords as a key cause of the conflict. Both Russia and Ukraine have thus far rejected an unconditional ceasefire.
News reports indicate that European leaders have discussed the possibility of deploying peacekeepers following a ceasefire.
Politico reported that Presidents Macron and Tusk planned to discuss this during a recent meeting; however, Tusk subsequently stated Poland had no such plans. French officials previously suggested sending military instructors and demining personnel.
Russia has repeatedly declared that any Western soldier in Ukraine would be considered a legitimate target. Putin maintains that foreign military aid to Ukraine constitutes direct NATO involvement in the conflict.