European nations to discuss Ukraine troop deployment in Paris

Next week, Germany, Italy, Poland, the UK, and Canada will meet in Paris to discuss the situation in Ukraine. The talks will focus on a potential peace initiative involving the deployment of troops. Allies are considering sending between 10,000 and 30,000 troops to Ukraine to support a peace deal with Russia. The UK and France are leading the discussions, with no involvement from U.S. troops. Countries participating in the talks include Britain, France, Sweden, Denmark, and Australia. Eastern European nations prefer to provide logistical support instead of sending their troops directly into conflict. There are serious concerns about the risks of a military confrontation and the possibility of engaging Russian forces if attacked. European leaders stress that they will only send troops if a lasting peace is in place. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected any peace proposals that involve Western troops. There is a suggestion that troops from neutral countries like China or India might help gain Russian approval. Europe is also seeking U.S. support for logistical help, air defense, and intelligence to keep an eye on Russia, but the Biden administration has not made a commitment yet. A significant troop deployment could weaken NATO defenses in other areas, like the Baltics and Finland. The UK, for example, would use half of its deployable army if it sends 5,000 troops. Alternative strategies discussed include sending a smaller force for quick reinforcement instead of a permanent presence. The focus could also shift to protecting air and maritime security, as well as troop training. Estimates suggest that 5,000 troops would only be able to tackle small threats, while 30,000 could manage multiple incursions from Russia. For sustained land combat, however, 60,000 to 100,000 troops would be necessary, which is beyond Europe’s current military capacity. Canada and Japan might join the initiative, but it would not be led by NATO. The main challenge remains securing Russia's acceptance, as they refuse to allow foreign troops.