Europe Mulls Sending Troops to Ukraine After Ceasefire, But Will Russia Agree?

As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine enters its third year, European leaders, alongside Ukrainian officials, are exploring the possibility of deploying troops in Ukraine to ensure the country’s security in the event of a ceasefire. This proposal, however, faces the daunting challenge of Russian resistance.

U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on both sides to end the war, while Kyiv seeks assurances that its future security will be guaranteed. The concept gaining traction in Europe would involve stationing thousands of European troops in Ukraine, but not under NATO’s banner, to deter further Russian aggression and provide a rapid reaction force if needed. However, this idea is a significant point of contention for Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed a willingness to entertain ceasefire terms but emphasized that any peace agreement must include strong security guarantees. Without these, Ukraine believes it is only a matter of time before Russia launches another invasion. Ukrainian officials have pointed to the failed 2014 and 2015 agreements, which Russia broke after annexing Crimea, as evidence that Moscow’s promises cannot be trusted.

While Russia seems to be gaining ground, despite heavy losses, the future of the war remains uncertain. One thing is clear, though: European nations are increasingly aware that a Ukrainian defeat could have dire implications for their own security.

What Ceasefire Proposals Are Being Considered?

With Trump’s potential return to the White House, some European leaders are stepping up their commitment to Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized that ensuring security guarantees for Ukraine is a European responsibility, while U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the U.K. would play a full role in any peacekeeping efforts.

Although NATO is seen as the most robust deterrent to Russia, some European leaders and Trump have expressed reservations about a NATO-led peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. Among the proposals that have gained attention, Macron’s idea of stationing Western troops in Ukraine as a deterrent force similar to the Korean armistice remains the most promising.

Zelenskyy has suggested that sufficient allied troops are necessary to counter Russia’s manpower advantage, and that Ukraine would need advanced weapons, including long-range systems capable of striking deep into Russian territory, to ensure its security. Trump, however, opposes this approach.

Will Russia Agree to Western Troops?

There is skepticism about whether Russia would accept the presence of Western troops in Ukraine, as it views the country as part of its geopolitical sphere. Putin’s government believes it is winning the war and will likely resist any proposals that involve foreign troops on Ukrainian soil. Maria Zakharova, Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson, has described NATO troops in Ukraine as "categorically unacceptable" and warned of the risk of uncontrolled escalation.

Despite this, Ukrainian officials remain in “technical discussions” with their allies, speculating that Russia might consider such a proposal if Ukraine is willing to make certain concessions. Zelenskyy himself has reiterated that Ukraine would need tens of thousands of allied troops to ensure its safety.

Europe’s Role in a Post-Ceasefire Scenario

Sending European troops to Ukraine would send a strong message to Russia that Europe is committed to Ukraine’s security. However, questions remain about Europe’s ability to meet the immense demands of the Ukrainian military. The continent’s defense production is fragmented and underfunded, and national governments may struggle to meet Ukraine’s needs, particularly if U.S. support dwindles under a potential Trump administration.

Macron’s proposal would require significant coordination, including deciding where to deploy troops and what capabilities they would have. Ukrainian officials view such foreign forces not only as peacekeepers but also as a "tripwire" force—ready to counterattack if Russia escalates.

While a traditional peacekeeping mission would require a UN vote, Russia could easily veto any such resolution. However, some European officials have pointed to NATO’s multinational battalions in the Baltic states and stabilization forces in Bosnia as possible models for the mission in Ukraine.

Though the idea of foreign troops in Ukraine is likely to face fierce opposition from Russia, it could serve as a starting point for negotiations, providing Europe with leverage in future talks with Moscow. If nothing else, it underscores the growing resolve of European nations to ensure that Ukraine’s security remains a top priority.