European nations supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia are reportedly reconsidering the idea of sending ground troops, according to the Financial Times. This shift follows recent discussions among military planners from 31 countries, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who hosted the talks this week.
The reports highlight a change in strategy, with European countries moving away from deploying ground forces to focusing more on air and sea patrols. This development comes as Russia has firmly rejected the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine, regardless of how such a mission is labeled by the US-led military bloc.
While proponents like Starmer have suggested the possibility of a “peacekeeping force” to oversee a ceasefire, there are growing concerns within the EU about replacing US military support for Ukraine. Starmer also acknowledged that the US would not provide a military “backstop” for any future mission in Ukraine, a significant departure from prior US policy.
In addition, discussions about a €40 billion ($43 billion) military aid package for Ukraine have stalled, and a more modest plan to supply 2 million artillery shells for €5 billion ($5.4 billion) remains stuck in diplomatic limbo. This highlights the challenges European nations face in balancing military assistance with the shifting geopolitical landscape.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
