European troops could deploy to Ukraine under an emerging security plan backed by France and the U.K., with U.S. logistical support seen as critical to deterring future Russian aggression. The proposal faces steep challenges – from NATO coordination gaps to Moscow’s outright rejection – as leaders prepare to pitch it to Trump during high-stakes Washington visits next week.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed
a U.S. security guarantee is the only way to effectively deter Russiaduring recent remarks, signaling European reliance on American airpower despite Trump’s push for reduced NATO commitments. The plan proposes:
- Up to 30,000 European troops guarding critical infrastructure behind Ukraine’s front lines
- AI surveillance and drone tech monitoring the 600-mile eastern border
- Rapid-response NATO air forces based in Poland/Romania
However, Germany’s Chancellor Scholz criticized the timeline as premature,while Poland and Italy ruled out troop deployments entirely. Analysts warn Europe lacks sufficient military manpower for sustained rotations, given France and Britain’s combined active-duty forces total under 350,000 – dwarfed by Russia’s 600,000 troops in Ukraine.
Lithuanian Defense Minister Šakalienė underscored rising tensions, stating
Russia is preparing for a long war… Europe needs to muscle up right now.With Trump skeptical of NATO and Ukraine’s NATO membership stalled, Kyiv faces brutal compromises – including potential forfeiture of 20% of occupied territory – to secure any peace deal.
Experts predict instability even if a ceasefire holds. Royal United Services Institute’s Matthew Savill notes sustaining security forces for decades would strain European budgets, while failed deployments risk reigniting conflict within two years. As diplomatic wrangling continues, Ukraine’s path to lasting peace remains fraught with geopolitical landmines.
