European NATO countries are coordinating troop deployments to Ukraine, reports The Washington Post

Western European leaders are considering the deployment of troops to Ukraine as part of a potential ceasefire agreement with Russia, according to a report by The Washington Post on Friday. These discussions are reportedly in the preliminary stages as NATO members evaluate strategies to enhance Ukraine’s negotiating position in the ongoing conflict.

The concept was introduced during a meeting led by NATO Chief Mark Rutte in Brussels on Wednesday, which included Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and several leaders from the alliance.

Additionally, the proposal was mentioned to US President-elect Donald Trump during recent discussions in Paris, attended by Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron. Sources familiar with the talks, who requested anonymity, indicated that Trump showed interest but has not yet taken a definitive stance as his administration is still developing its policy.

The proposal suggests establishing a European-led peacekeeping force that would operate independently of NATO. Leaders perceive this as a potential security assurance for Ukraine, which is unlikely to gain NATO membership in the near future. Macron, who initially proposed the idea in February, has been seeking support for the initiative from various European nations, including the UK and several Baltic and Nordic countries.

The specifics are still vague, but the proposed force would necessitate substantial commitments—potentially numbering in the tens of thousands of troops—to maintain effectiveness while avoiding vulnerability to attacks, according to the newspaper. Ongoing discussions also focus on clarifying the mandate of this force.

Ukrainian President Zelensky has openly endorsed the initiative, stressing that it should enhance Ukraine’s pursuit of NATO membership rather than serve as a substitute. He reiterated in Brussels on Thursday that, in his view, the mutual defense clause of the alliance is the only genuine “guarantee” of security for Ukraine.

On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed his willingness to engage in peace talks with Ukraine, stating that any agreement must tackle essential security issues, such as Ukraine’s abandonment of NATO aspirations, acknowledgment of new territorial realities, and a commitment to a neutral status.

During his annual Q&A session in Moscow, Putin emphasized that these steps are crucial for achieving lasting regional stability and ensuring mutual security. He expressed Russia’s readiness to negotiate without preconditions, presenting the proposed measures as a practical basis for sustainable peace while protecting the strategic interests of all parties involved.

The Post reported that Western European leaders view the proposal as a means to influence any US-led negotiations with Moscow and to showcase their support for Ukraine. “We need something sustainable,” an unnamed European diplomat remarked, underscoring the necessity of clear planning before engaging with officials in Washington.