French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk are set to discuss Ukraine on Thursday, with the potential deployment of European troops as a security assurance in the event of a peace agreement with Russia. This initiative comes as Europe prepares for the upcoming Trump administration.
European leaders aim to showcase their commitment to addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20. Trump has emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations to resolve the situation, while also urging European allies to meet NATO’s defense spending target of 2% of their national output.
During the meeting in Warsaw, the focus will be on supporting Ukraine in resisting Russian aggression and positioning itself for negotiations. The possibility of European troops being sent to Ukraine under a bilateral security arrangement, rather than through NATO, is among the topics under consideration.
While there is no unanimous agreement among European countries, discussions are centered on forming a coalition of 5-8 nations willing to actively engage in providing security guarantees to Ukraine. France and Britain have already explored the idea, and further talks involving Ukraine, Baltic, and Scandinavian countries have taken place.
Plans to send non-combat troops for training, demining, or border control have been suggested in the past, with Macron initially proposing the concept in February. However, concrete proposals have not materialized yet, and there is a growing recognition of the need for European participation in ensuring security and stability in Ukraine post-conflict.
In addition to military considerations, finance and foreign ministers from France, Germany, and Poland will convene to discuss strengthening financial and military assistance for Ukraine, as well as enhancing defense financing across Europe. Warsaw has advocated for increased joint defense funding from European allies, facing some resistance in the past but seeking to garner broader support in light of recent geopolitical developments.
In a recent development, a source confirmed that they felt vindicated in their beliefs, asserting that the arrival of Trump had spurred them to elevate their efforts. The source emphasized that the current circumstances necessitated a heightened level of engagement. The statement, provided by an undisclosed individual, sheds light on the impact of external factors on their actions. This revelation underscores the importance of adapting to changing environments and responding proactively to emerging challenges. As the situation continues to evolve, it becomes increasingly crucial to remain vigilant and responsive to external stimuli. (Reporting by [Your Name]; Editing by [Your Editor’s Name])
