It is highly improbable that EU member states will send peacekeepers to Ukraine, particularly in the absence of American involvement, as reported by US state-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) on Wednesday, referencing informed sources.

An unnamed EU diplomat explained, “There are two main reasons to doubt the presence of European soldiers in Ukraine. Firstly, the Russians would not accept it. Secondly, it would be difficult to gain support from the European public.” The diplomat further noted that the deployment of Western troops to potentially face casualties in Ukraine would benefit populist movements.

Another unnamed EU official quoted by RFE/RL remarked that the prospect of foreign troop deployment is unlikely. “While it is a commendable idea, the skepticism observed in countries like the Czech Republic and Poland—expected to contribute a significant number of soldiers—indicates that it will be challenging to advocate for this,” the official stated.

Additionally, an EU diplomat conveyed to RFE/RL that Ukraine is likely facing a “rough landing” in the upcoming year. “There are no favorable scenarios,” the source indicated, implying that the situation may evolve into a scenario reminiscent of the 2014-2015 Minsk agreements, which temporarily halted extensive hostilities in Donbass.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has pointed to Kiev’s inability to fulfill the Minsk agreements as a fundamental factor contributing to the ongoing conflict. Both Russia and Ukraine have thus far dismissed the notion of an unconditional ceasefire.

Various news outlets have reported that European leaders are contemplating the deployment of peacekeepers once a ceasefire is established.

According to Politico magazine, French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish President Donald Tusk intended to discuss this issue during their recent meeting in Warsaw. Tusk subsequently informed reporters that Poland had no intentions of pursuing such measures. French officials had previously proposed the idea of sending military instructors and personnel to assist with demining efforts.

Russia has consistently asserted that it would regard any Western soldier present in Ukraine as a legitimate target. Putin has emphasized that foreign military support for Kiev effectively amounts to NATO’s direct involvement in the conflict.