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US asks its European NATO allies to evaluate their military forces
(MENAFN) The United States has asked its European NATO allies to evaluate their available military forces and determine the number of troops they could deploy to provide a “security guarantee” for Ukraine, should the US and Russia reach an agreement to end the ongoing conflict. This request follows a surprise phone call between US President Donald trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week, which included discussions about possible steps toward resolving the crisis. Following the call, the US State Department sent out a “questionnaire” to European countries to gauge their willingness to commit to a long-term security arrangement for Ukraine.
A diplomat informed Reuters that the US has been asking European capitals about the number of soldiers they are willing to deploy. The questionnaire reportedly asked six key questions, one of which was directed at EU member states. Finnish President Alexander Stubb confirmed the existence of the document during the Munich Security Conference, stating that it would push European countries to consider their response carefully. He added that it would be up to them to decide whether to answer the questions individually or together.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has stated that Ukraine needs at least 200,000 European peacekeepers to enforce any potential peace agreement with Russia. However, experts argue that even deploying 40,000 troops could be a significant challenge. Zelensky also called for a 1.5 million-strong Ukrainian military, should NATO membership remain unattainable. He emphasized that this would require a 50% increase in military funding.
The Trump administration has made it clear that it plans to reduce US involvement once a truce is reached, expecting regional allies to take on the financial and logistical responsibilities of supporting Ukraine. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that there will be no US troops deployed to Ukraine, urging European NATO members to shoulder the majority of future military aid for Ukraine’s security.
Next week, high-level US and Russian delegations are expected to meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss the next steps, possibly paving the way for a future summit between the two nations' leaders. However, reports indicate that Ukraine has not been invited to participate in these discussions, and European NATO members have expressed concerns about being excluded from potential peace negotiations that could resolve the conflict.
A diplomat informed Reuters that the US has been asking European capitals about the number of soldiers they are willing to deploy. The questionnaire reportedly asked six key questions, one of which was directed at EU member states. Finnish President Alexander Stubb confirmed the existence of the document during the Munich Security Conference, stating that it would push European countries to consider their response carefully. He added that it would be up to them to decide whether to answer the questions individually or together.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has stated that Ukraine needs at least 200,000 European peacekeepers to enforce any potential peace agreement with Russia. However, experts argue that even deploying 40,000 troops could be a significant challenge. Zelensky also called for a 1.5 million-strong Ukrainian military, should NATO membership remain unattainable. He emphasized that this would require a 50% increase in military funding.
The Trump administration has made it clear that it plans to reduce US involvement once a truce is reached, expecting regional allies to take on the financial and logistical responsibilities of supporting Ukraine. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that there will be no US troops deployed to Ukraine, urging European NATO members to shoulder the majority of future military aid for Ukraine’s security.
Next week, high-level US and Russian delegations are expected to meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss the next steps, possibly paving the way for a future summit between the two nations' leaders. However, reports indicate that Ukraine has not been invited to participate in these discussions, and European NATO members have expressed concerns about being excluded from potential peace negotiations that could resolve the conflict.
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