Emergency Paris Meeting: Europe Considers Sending 30,000 Troops to Ukraine

European leaders are considering the possibility of deploying troops to Ukraine as part of a potential ceasefire agreement. At the same time, they are consulting with the Trump administration on possible US support for such a mission, The Washington Post reported on February 17.

According to The Washington Post, while Washington has ruled out sending American troops, Trump’s team has not dismissed the prospect of supporting a European-led force. European officials are seeking clarification on what kind of assistance the US might provide, including intelligence, air surveillance, and air defense support.

French President Emmanuel Macron has convened a meeting in Paris with key European leaders to discuss concrete plans for supporting Ukraine and to build consensus on a possible troop deployment.

Current proposals include sending a European deterrence force of 25,000 to 30,000 troops, which would not be stationed on the front lines but would serve as a visible presence to discourage further Russian aggression. If necessary, these forces could be reinforced.

France has taken the lead in planning and has indicated that it could commit up to 10,000 troops, while other European allies are still assessing their capabilities.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the UK is prepared to send troops "if necessary," marking a significant shift in Britain’s position and increasing pressure on other European nations to clarify their commitments.

The discussions involve France, Britain, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, and Nordic and Baltic nations. Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans emphasized that European military action would require strong US backing:

“It’s about security guarantees for Ukraine, but it’s directly related to our defense and deterrence within NATO.”

European leaders are also discussing whether to establish a mutual defense agreement among participating countries, separate from NATO, to coordinate a potential response if the force were to come under attack.

Following President Donald Trump’s announcement that the US and Russia will begin direct peace talks, European governments have expressed the need to be included in negotiations. While the Trump administration has signaled that Europe will not be directly involved in talks, US Special Representative Keith Kellogg assured European officials that their security interests would be considered.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed discussions on a European troop presence, stating:

“We want security guarantees not on paper, but on the ground, at sea, and in the air.”

Meanwhile, Russia has reacted cautiously. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that "no substantive discussions" on European troop deployment have taken place but acknowledged that the issue remains significant.

The US has requested detailed proposals from European countries regarding the weapons, troops, and security measures they could contribute to Ukraine. According to Financial Times, Washington is assessing Europe’s willingness to provide long-term security commitments and the level of involvement they expect in return.

Some European countries, including Poland and Germany, remain cautious due to upcoming elections and domestic political considerations. Others, such as the Netherlands, require parliamentary approval for troop deployment.

While discussions are still ongoing, the prospect of a European-led force in Ukraine is becoming a key topic as leaders work to define their role in Ukraine’s future security.

According to The Washington Post, further negotiations are expected in the coming weeks as Europe and the US align their strategies.

Previously, it was reported that with US-Russia talks looming, Zelenskyy secures regional support on a Middle East tour while being excluded from negotiations. In Paris, Macron pushes for Europe’s role in the process, as the UK signals openness to peacekeepers.