Media reported a split in the EU when discussing sending peacekeepers to Ukraine

The UK and the European Union (EU) countries cannot agree on whether they should send their peacekeepers to Ukraine, The Times has reported on 31 January, citing diplomatic sources. This was reported by The Times on 31 January, citing diplomatic sources.

It is noted that the idea of deploying a Western contingent in Ukraine is supported by the United Kingdom, France and the Nordic countries, which are ready to deploy thousands of military personnel there under a ceasefire agreement. However, other states, in particular Germany, are against it. In addition, the Baltic states and Poland worry that funding the mission would negatively affect NATO's ability to protect them if necessary and make alliance countries more vulnerable.

Europe could send peacekeepers to Kiev on its own, but in that case its ministers would still have to turn to the United States to provide "air cover" with air defense systems and aircraft. A condition for sending peacekeepers to Ukraine would be that Kiev be given security guarantees and financial support from US President Donald Trump's administration.

A source in the British army said that London could theoretically send between 10,000 and 25,000 of its military to Ukraine, although this would not be easy to do. Against this backdrop, a UN peacekeeping mission would be a more sensible alternative. Diplomats believe that this would guarantee that Moscow would more likely agree to end the conflict.

Ukraine without American payments and disruption of arms deliveries. What the media say

Earlier, on January 15, The Telegraph newspaper reported that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron were considering sending peacekeepers to Ukraine. It was specified that the details of these talks are still being kept secret. According to the newspaper, Starmer has not made a final decision yet. On 18 January, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in an interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper did not rule out sending German troops to the special operation zone.

Later, on January 24, it was reported that European officials are seeking to get Trump to send U.S. peacekeeping forces to Ukraine to provide the Eastern European country with security guarantees. Subsequently, Rodion Miroshnik, ambassador-at-large for crimes of the Kiev regime at the Russian Foreign Ministry, said on January 26 that any peacekeepers entering Ukraine "without Russia's consent and authorization" would be a legitimate military target for the Russian Armed Forces.

Reuters reported on December 18, 2024, that European leaders are discussing sending 100,000 military personnel to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire and the signing of a peace agreement.

Western countries have stepped up military and financial support for Ukraine amid Russia's special operation to protect Donbass, which was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, 2022, after the situation in the region worsened due to shelling by the Ukrainian military.