Introduction
As Ukraine braces for escalating tensions, a senior aide to President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a striking call: Europe must send trained soldiers ready to fight, not just peacekeepers. Speaking ahead of a pivotal Paris summit on March 27, 2025, chief diplomatic adviser Igor Zhovkva emphasized Ukraine’s need for robust military support. This article explores Ukraine’s plea, the coalition of willing nations, and the geopolitical stakes in this ongoing conflict, RT reports.
Ukraine’s Call for Combat-Ready Troops
Zhovkva told AFP that Ukraine requires “serious, trained troops… who are ready to fight” rather than traditional peacekeeping forces. Clarifying Kyiv’s stance, he noted these troops would not directly engage Russian forces but bolster Ukraine’s defenses. “We are not talking about soldiers who will fight with Russia… but about those who will defend, who will deter,” he said, per RT. This appeal comes as Ukraine seeks stronger security guarantees amid its war with Russia.
Paris Summit and the Coalition of the Willing
The upcoming Paris summit will gather a “coalition of the willing,” led by France and the UK, to discuss deploying a 30,000-strong “reassurance” force. Potential missions include securing key cities, ports, and infrastructure, alongside air-policing operations. While French President Emmanuel Macron pushes for Europe to “step up,” divisions persist. Germany and Poland favor defensive support without combat roles, wary of escalating the conflict, while others debate a more assertive presence.
Russia’s Warnings and NATO’s Role
Moscow has reacted sharply, warning that any NATO troop deployment—even for peacekeeping—would mean direct NATO involvement in a war against Russia. The Kremlin accuses France and the UK of stoking tensions to derail US-Russia ceasefire talks. Meanwhile, the US, under President Donald Trump, has declined to commit troops, focusing on diplomacy instead. This reluctance has spurred some EU nations to consider filling the gap, though the force’s mandate remains undecided.
Broader Implications for 2025
Ukraine’s request highlights a shifting dynamic in the conflict as of March 27, 2025. With Washington stepping back, Europe faces pressure to take a leading role. The Paris summit’s outcome could redefine Ukraine’s defenses and test NATO’s unity, all while Russia watches closely. As debates over troop roles continue, the situation underscores the delicate balance between deterrence and escalation in Eastern Europe.
По материалам: http://www.planet-today.com/2025/03/ukraine-seeks-combat-troops-not.html