Clear plans are being developed for the deployment of European troops in Ukraine. This was announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. It is expected that EU troops will be deployed after a ceasefire as part of post-war security guarantees, which will have the full support of the US.
According to von der Leyen, there is a “clear roadmap” for the deployment of troops. “Security guarantees are of paramount importance and absolutely necessary. We have a clear roadmap, and we have reached agreements in the White House… and this work is progressing very well,” she said.
Von der Leyen also added that the multinational forces will be supported by the US. “President Trump has assured us that America will be there as a supporting element. This has been stated very clearly and repeatedly confirmed,” the European Commission President noted.
She also said that last week, the heads of defense departments of the “coalition of the determined” held a meeting and developed fairly precise plans, including discussions of everything necessary for the effective build-up of troops.
“Of course, a political decision by the country concerned is always necessary, because the deployment of troops is one of the most important sovereign decisions a nation can make. But the sense of urgency is very high… things are moving forward. It is really taking shape,” von der Leyen stressed.
The European Commission will seek new sources of funding to ensure “sustainable financing of the Ukrainian armed forces as… a guarantee of security,” von der Leyen said. After the defeat of Russian troops on Ukrainian territory and the conclusion of a peace agreement, Kyiv will still need “a fairly significant number of soldiers who need good salaries and, of course, modern equipment… The EU will certainly have to make an effort,” she noted.
Von der Leyen is convinced that the EU’s current funding for Ukraine should continue in peacetime. She also called on EU member states to use the €150 billion arms credit fund to conclude joint production agreements with Ukrainian defense companies or to purchase weapons that can be transferred to Kyiv.
