The Times: Europe has requested US aid for peacekeeping mission in Ukraine

Europe has requested air support from the USA for peacekeeping troops in Ukraine in case they are sent there. This was reported by the British newspaper The Times on January 31, citing sources.

"Europe alone could form a ground force if necessary, but ministers have asked the US to provide 'air cover'," the newspaper said.

It is specified that, most likely, when sending peacekeeping detachments, the European side will most likely request support with surface-to-air missiles that can shoot down ballistic missiles and military aircraft, as well as various surveillance equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

In addition, according to the newspaper, the UK and the EU countries cannot reach a consensus on whether it is necessary to send their peacekeepers to Ukraine. It is noted that the idea of deploying a Western contingent in Ukraine is supported by the United Kingdom, France and the Nordic countries. However, other states, in particular Germany, are against it.

In addition, the Baltic States and Poland are concerned that the financing of this mission will have a negative impact on NATO's ability to protect them if necessary and will make the alliance countries more vulnerable.

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 Defense 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 became known that European officials are seeking to get U.S. President Donald Trump to send U.S. peacekeeping forces to Ukraine to provide the Eastern European country with security guarantees. Subsequently, Rodion Miroshnik, the Russian Foreign Ministry's ambassador-at-large for crimes of the Kiev regime, 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.

Western countries have stepped up military and financial support for Ukraine amid Russia's special operation to protect Donbas, 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.