Overview

• Defense ministers from around 30 countries, led by the UK and France, are meeting in Brussels to finalize plans for a multinational reassurance force in Ukraine.
• The proposed force aims to deter future Russian aggression and ensure Ukraine's long-term sovereignty in the event of a peace agreement.
• Discussions include troop numbers, mandates, logistical frameworks, and strategic deployment locations, with input from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
• The United States is not participating in the coalition, raising concerns among European nations about the lack of U.S. military support, including airpower and intelligence.
• The initiative reflects Europe's growing focus on strategic autonomy and rearmament, as leaders seek to bolster regional security without full reliance on U.S. backing.