A group of European countries considers the possibility of sending a military contingent to Ukraine after the end of the war to guarantee security and stability in the region.
The United Kingdom and France are the leaders of this process, although other European countries are still in the early stages of discussing the mission.
This was reported by the Associated Press.
The emergence of new fears among European countries is related to changing security priorities in the United States. Officials from Europe note that if the US can focus on other issues or even conclude a deal with Putin, Europeans must be ready for this scenario to prevent Russian influence in the region.
Italy, the Netherlands, Germany and Poland are currently cautious about this issue, as some countries have their constitutional restrictions or need parliamentary approvals to participate in international military missions. In particular, Germany will be able to change its position after the upcoming elections on February 23.
Estonia's Defense Minister Hanno Promklur noted that the current plan is at a "very early stage", and the implementation of this contingent will depend on the conditions of peaceful settlement and changes on the front line. If the conflict is frozen and the forces of both parties are reduced, Europe will not be problematic to place its troops in Ukraine. However, if the war continues at the active stages, the implementation of such a plan will become much more complicated.
Experts emphasize that the mission of Europe should be a powerful military force, not peacemakers in the style of "blue helmets" of the UN. This is necessary to demonstrate Russia that attempts to weaken the situation will be met with strong resistance. Former US Army Commander in Europe Ben Hodges emphasized that the future mission should be so powerful to ensure peace and stability for the long -term perspective.
