Europe is struggling to guarantee peace in Ukraine without the backing of the United States. Experts say that sending European peacekeepers to Ukraine would weaken NATO’s defences and stretch the continent’s militaries, which are already depleted from donating troops to Ukraine.
The idea of deploying a large European force to Ukraine is being met with skepticism, with experts warning that it could be barely achievable for the Europeans on their own. Estimates suggest that around 40,000 to 150,000 troops would be needed, compared to NATO’s initial response to Kosovo, which started with 48,000 troops in a territory of just 11,000 sq km.
The US has made clear its opposition to deploying NATO troops inside Ukraine, and Russia has rejected the idea entirely. However, experts say that deterrence from outside Ukraine is crucial, but the US lacks medium-range missiles and nuclear capabilities to match Russia’s.
European officials acknowledge that only a US guarantee would protect European peacekeepers and deter Russia from any future attack on Ukraine. The lack of key capabilities in areas such as reconnaissance and air defence also makes it difficult for Europe to take on this role alone.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/european-forces-would-struggle-guarantee-ukraine-peace-without-us-backing-2025-02-18