Debate Intensifies Over European-Led Peacekeeping Force in Ukraine

Proposals for a multinational force face challenges of scale, U.S. involvement, and Russian opposition as discussions remain preliminary.

European nations, including the UK and France, are exploring a potential peacekeeping or deterrent force in Ukraine, but there is no consensus on its scale or structure.
President Zelensky has called for a 200,000-strong force to deter future Russian aggression, though experts suggest such a deployment would require over 600,000 troops in total to sustain rotations.
The U.S. is seen as essential to the plan, with European countries lacking the military capabilities, such as air cover and surveillance, needed for a credible deterrent force.
Russia is likely to oppose any multinational force, particularly one involving NATO countries, complicating the feasibility of such an initiative during peace negotiations.
Alternative proposals, such as a UN peacekeeping mission, face logistical and political hurdles, including potential vetoes by Russia and China in the UN Security Council.