UK, France Plan to Send 30,000 ‘Peacekeepers’ to Ukraine

Britain and France are drafting a plan to deploy up to 30,000 “peacekeepers” in Ukraine, depending on whether Moscow and Kiev reach a ceasefire, The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday, citing unnamed European officials.

However, that plan depends on persuading US President Donald Trump to commit to a limited American military role, the report said. While Washington has ruled out sending its forces to Ukraine, the UK and France hope the US agrees to supply a limited contingent with critical support, particularly when it comes to air defense, logistics, and intelligence.

European officials interviewed by the paper insist that “without Trump’s backing, the European plan to send peacekeepers faces a difficult path.”

The envisioned “reassurance force” would be primarily composed of British and French troops, and would focus on safeguarding vital infrastructure, cities, and ports, rather than being positioned along the front lines with Russia. Another facet of the roadmap would be the active use of drones and satellites to monitor Russia’s compliance with a potential ceasefire, WSJ reports.