Experts discuss the conditions and challenges of deploying Western troops in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for 100,000 personnel for effective support.
The United Kingdom has an army of 70,000, so it is unclear what portion of such a small force can be allocated for a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. Meanwhile, before the arrival of troops from Western countries, it is essential to determine where they will stay, what weapons they will have, and what roles they will perform. For instance, they might be stationed at checkpoints or patrol the line of demarcation. The weapons may include light firearms "plus" armor. The portal TSN provided information on the possible deployment of Western troops in Ukraine in their report.
TSN published an analysis of the situation regarding peacekeepers by two experts — former Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Colonel Vladislav Seleznev, and military analyst Alexey Hetman. Seleznev, who took part in 12 rotations of peacekeepers in Kosovo under NATO's flag, outlined the primary requirements for the deployment of Western troops and described the conditions of their presence in Ukraine. Hetman, on the other hand, explained where exactly the peacekeepers would be positioned and what their duties would entail.
Western Troops in Ukraine — Details
The experts described the potential circumstances, conditions, and challenges of the arrival of Western troops in Ukraine:
- Ukraine and Russia must agree on the presence of Western military forces along the line of demarcation. However, it is unclear which line the Russians will recognize, as they demand the return of the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, along with part of Donetsk, in addition to the previously occupied territories;
- peacekeepers will reside in designated bases and carry out agreed-upon functions. Possible roles include remaining at checkpoints or monitoring the entire contact line;
- the potential weaponry of the Western contingent may include firearms and equipment for protection, such as against explosives. Seleznev explained that the type of weaponry depends on the mission's objectives and whether it is permissible to penalize the party that violates the agreements;
- it is uncertain when exactly the Western troops will arrive, as the EU is "very bureaucratic," noted Hetman;
- the contingent could position itself along the demarcation line on Ukrainian territory;
- the possible number of peacekeepers could be around a hundred thousand soldiers. The quantity should be determined by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, although it is unclear where Europe would source such a number of personnel, the expert stated.
Ultimately, both interviewees from the news service agreed that before the arrival of Western troops, many questions need to be answered, which will take some time. Furthermore, Hetman explained that it would be preferable for not just troops from specific countries to arrive, but for a pan-European army to be formed, although it is uncertain when it would be established.
"Nonetheless, the creation of joint European armed forces would be logical in today's realities," the journalists quoted Hetman's opinion.
It is noteworthy that discussions about Western troops in Ukraine have been ongoing since the winter of 2024, when French President Emmanuel Macron first proposed such an idea. A year ago, he did not receive support from other European nations. In 2025, following the Munich Conference, when the US clarified its stance on the Russian invasion, the UK announced that it might send its military to Ukraine. This was expressed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer: the politician stated his "readiness" but did not provide any specific plans.
We remind you that on February 18, Emmanuel Macron commented on how events in Ukraine would develop following an agreement reached between the US and Russia.