Military Leaders Discuss Ukraine Ceasefire’s Peacekeeping Force/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Senior military officials from Europe and beyond are meeting in London on Thursday to discuss plans for an international peacekeeping force in Ukraine, as partial ceasefire negotiations progress. Britain and France are leading the effort, but uncertainty remains over how many nations will contribute troops. Meanwhile, Ukraine and Russia have agreed in principle to a limited ceasefire, though ongoing drone strikes highlight the challenges of enforcing peace. U.S. and Russian officials are set to meet Monday in Riyadh to discuss further steps.
Ukraine Peacekeeping Talks: Quick Look
- Military leaders meet in London to discuss a Ukraine peacekeeping force.
- Britain and France leading efforts, but troop commitments remain uncertain.
- Ukraine and Russia agree in principle to a limited ceasefire after Trump’s intervention.
- U.S.-Russia peace talks scheduled Monday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Drone attacks continue, with hundreds launched overnight by both sides.
- EU leaders to discuss military spending and Ukraine’s security needs.
Military Leaders Discuss Ukraine Ceasefire’s Peacekeeping Force
Military Leaders Push for Ukraine Peacekeeping Force
Senior military officials from Europe, Australia, Canada, and other nations are gathering in London to discuss a potential international peacekeeping force for Ukraine. The plan, spearheaded by Britain and France, is moving into its operational phase, but major questions remain:
- Which countries will commit troops?
- How many will be needed? (Estimates range from 10,000 to 30,000 troops.)
- Will a ceasefire hold long enough for peacekeepers to deploy?
“This is more than just a focus on troops. We’re talking about protection in air, at sea, and all the operational planning that is needed.”
However, Russia has firmly rejected NATO troops on Ukrainian soil, raising concerns about the viability of the plan.
Ukraine-Russia Ceasefire Agreement Still Uncertain
While a partial ceasefire agreement was reached following President Donald Trump’s calls with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, it remains unclear when it will take effect.
Trump had pushed for a 30-day full ceasefire, but Putin only agreed to a limited one that does not cover all strategic targets.
To work out further details, U.S. and Russian officials will meet Monday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the first formal peace negotiations since early 2024.
Meanwhile, EU leaders will meet with Zelenskyy in Brussels to discuss Ukraine’s long-term security and military needs.
“It is central that Ukraine remains an independent democratic nation with a strong army,” said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, adding that Ukraine’s EU membership remains a priority.
Drone Strikes Continue Despite Ceasefire Talks
Despite ongoing ceasefire discussions, Ukraine and Russia launched hundreds of drone attacks overnight, targeting infrastructure and military sites.
- Russia launched 171 drones, but Ukraine shot down 75 while another 63 were likely jammed.
- Ukraine targeted six Russian regions, including Saratov, Crimea, and Engels—a city housing Russia’s strategic bomber fleet.
- Kropyvnytskyi in central Ukraine suffered its worst attack of the war, with four dozen drones hitting homes and injuring 14 people.
“In a cruel twist, enemy drones hit Myru Street—‘Peace Street’ in English,” said Andrii Raikovych, a Ukrainian regional official.
European Military Spending Increases Amid Uncertainty
As Ukraine peacekeeping discussions unfold, European nations are ramping up military spending in response to shifting U.S. foreign policy.
The Trump administration has signaled that Europe must take care of its own security, leading EU leaders to consider increased defense budgets.
Germany’s parliament is expected to approve an additional €3 billion ($3.3 billion) in military aid for Ukraine this year, following a broader plan to loosen its strict debt rules for defense spending.
“Europe has engaged in militarization and has turned into a party of war.”
What Happens Next?
- Military leaders in London will finalize details of the peacekeeping force.
- U.S. and Russian officials will meet in Riyadh on Monday to discuss ceasefire implementation.
- EU leaders will discuss Ukraine’s security needs and increased military funding.
- Drone attacks may escalate as ceasefire enforcement remains uncertain.
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