5 EU countries may send troops to Ukraine: Reuters named a possible number of soldiers.

European countries prepare a contingent for Ukraine

European leaders are considering the possibility of sending a military contingent to Ukraine if a ceasefire or peace agreement is reached. This was reported by Reuters, citing official sources and diplomats.

The initiative was proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron. Talks began after the statement of the new US President Donald Trump that he would not send American troops to ensure security in Ukraine.

At the same Time, European leaders want to avoid the impression that they believe now is the time for negotiations with Russia, especially considering the difficult situation on the battlefield in Ukraine. They emphasize the importance of providing military and economic assistance to Kyiv and the lack of willingness of Putin to negotiate.

However, behind the scenes, the possibility of providing security guarantees to Ukraine is already being considered, including deploying tens of thousands of troops on Ukrainian territory.

During negotiations in Paris on December 7, Trump ruled out the participation of American troops in ensuring a ceasefire.

According to statements from European diplomats, although Ukraine may receive security guarantees through NATO membership, European countries bear the main burden. It is planned that the contingent will include troops from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom.

However, the initiative has sparked mixed reactions. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that his country does not plan to join such a mission, while German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius noted that Berlin will likely participate in ensuring the ceasefire, but it is still too early to talk about a specific format.

Unresolved issues remain: the composition of international forces that will be acceptable to both sides; the mandate of the mission; the possible role of the UN; the necessity of US involvement, at least in intelligence and support of operations; rules for the use of force.