Europe considers deploying naval, air "deterrent forces" to Ukraine
2 Min Read
European nations are contemplating the deployment of so-called deterrent forces in Ukraine as troop positioning become increasingly challenging.
-
A Ukrainian serviceman of the Military Naval Forces stands on a boat during patrol over Black Sea coast line of Odesa region, Ukraine, on March 27, 2025 (AP)
European countries are increasingly weighing the deployment of naval and air "deterrent forces" to Ukraine, as large-scale troop deployments face logistical and political constraints, The Washington Post reported on Sunday, citing two diplomats.
Some nations have already signaled readiness to contribute military assets for patrolling Ukraine's airspace or the Black Sea.
According to the diplomats, European nations plan to send a military assessment team to Ukraine in the coming weeks to evaluate the necessary force size for a potential deployment.
France had committed €2 billion in military aid to Ukraine, while around 30 leaders met with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris on Thursday to discuss strengthening Kiev's position and their potential role in any future peace deal with Russia.
Macron reaffirmed that several countries are interested in sending troops as "deterrent forces." He emphasized that the UK-French initiative would neither serve as a replacement for Ukrainian forces nor function as a peacekeeping mission but rather aim to deter Russia by positioning troops in strategic areas.
This third summit of the so-called "coalition of the willing," led by France and Britain, includes British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz.
The meeting follows Zelensky’s recent agreement to move forward with ceasefire talks to secure renewed US aid and intelligence cooperation. However, Russia has added new conditions regarding a Black Sea ceasefire and energy targets, while many European nations remain skeptical about the prospects of a peace agreement.
"First and foremost [we will discuss] the immediate support for Ukraine. It must go on because it is necessary to continue the resistance," President Emmanuel Macron told reporters on Wednesday evening at a press conference with Zelensky.
Macron pledged an additional €2 billion in French military aid, including missiles, warplanes, and air defense systems, while Zelenskiy suggested other partners might announce aid packages on Thursday.
Read more: EU rejects Russian ceasefire demand for sanctions relief: FT
