In the current situation, it's completely unrealistic to expect the US under Trump's leadership to help Ukraine win the war. It's even difficult for Ukraine to hold its own 'red line'. Fortunately, Ukraine still has itself and supporters, especially Europe.
EU diplomats have stated that even if a 30 - day cease - fire agreement is reached, the EU will continue to provide military assistance to Ukraine, helping it gain a strong negotiating position and defend against possible new attacks from Russia. More importantly, Europe is taking practical actions to assist Ukraine.
Earlier, leaders of 30 countries, including those from the UK, Canada, and Australia, held a meeting (including via video) in London to discuss the establishment of a multinational peacekeeping force in Ukraine. At the meeting, European leaders showed their support for Zelensky by taking off their suits collectively.
A senior UK government source revealed that UK Prime Minister Starmer has won far more support than the three countries that initially proposed providing ground troops. According to reports, a 'coalition of the willing' led by the UK and France has attracted the interest of about 20 countries. This coalition will strive to maintain any cease - fire agreement in the Russia - Ukraine war.
Currently, a peacekeeping force of over 10,000 people is being assembled, with most of the troops coming from the UK and France. Thirty - five countries have promised to provide weapons, logistics, and intelligence support for this force.
UK Prime Minister Starmer issued a statement, saying, 'Sooner or later, Putin must come to the negotiation table. It's time to stop the shelling, end the brutal attacks on Ukraine, and agree to a cease - fire without any territorial concessions from Ukraine.' The next steps will include strengthening diplomatic efforts to establish long - term security guarantees and peace; formulating an action plan for the peacekeeping force to clarify its functions and responsibilities; and continuing to put pressure on Russia to force it to agree to a cease - fire without territorial concessions.
He also said, 'We will strengthen Ukraine's own defense and armed forces and are ready to be deployed as part of a'resource coalition' after a peace agreement is reached to help ensure Ukraine's security on land, at sea, and in the air.' A source told that if the UK - sent peacekeeping force goes to Ukraine, it may stay there indefinitely. 'This will be a long - term commitment from the UK to Ukraine, spanning several years. They will stay as long as it's necessary to maintain the peace agreement and contain Russia.'
French President Macron revealed that not all of the 10,000 - strong European peacekeeping force will enter Ukraine. Thousands of them will be deployed in Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa, while another part will be stationed in Ukraine's neighboring countries to quickly enter Ukraine and provide support if Russia violates the cease - fire agreement.
The plans of the UK and France to send peacekeeping forces to Ukraine have entered the final approval stage. Macron proposed that Europe is ready to provide four - point security guarantees for Ukraine: continue to support Ukraine through new measures, giving priority to providing the equipment and weapons it needs; assist the Ukrainian army in reform and re - armament so that it can effectively resist new attacks from Russia; potentially send troops to Ukraine based on a 'coalition of the willing' in the future; and strengthen European defense, increase investment, and enhance coordination among the armies.
