European nations are advancing plans for a peacekeeping force in Ukraine, with the UK pledging to maintain a military presence for "as long as it takes." France has also signalled its readiness to mobilize civilians amid growing concerns over Russian aggression, while the Kremlin has warned that any NATO involvement would be considered an act of war.
A proposed European-led peacekeeping force aims to patrol Ukraine’s borders and ensure that Russia adheres to any future ceasefire agreement. The initiative, led by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, has been in development for weeks. However, former Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has condemned the proposal, accusing Starmer and Macron of disregarding previous warnings that peacekeeping troops should not be drawn from NATO member states.
In a statement on social media, Medvedev issued a stark warning, saying, “That means war with NATO. Consult with Trump, scumbags.” His comments come as military leaders from various nations prepare to hold an operational planning meeting in London to discuss post-war security in Europe.
Starmer, who has taken a leading role in rallying European support for Ukraine, reaffirmed his commitment to deploying British troops, stating that they will remain in Ukraine alongside Western allies for as long as necessary. France has also explored the idea of mobilizing civilians to aid in defense efforts, though Macron has dismissed the possibility of reinstating compulsory military service, citing logistical challenges.
Several other nations, including Turkey, Canada, and Australia, are also considering their own contributions, with expectations that up to 30,000 troops could be deployed from NATO-affiliated forces. Additional support is set to come in the form of weaponry and logistical assistance.
Russia has repeatedly warned that any foreign troop presence in Ukraine would escalate the conflict. Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko insisted that any ceasefire deal must exclude Ukraine’s NATO membership and prohibit the deployment of foreign military forces. Russian officials and state media figures have also issued aggressive threats against Western nations, with propagandist Vladimir Solovyov warning, “We will kill you all, and we will kill you all.”
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with former U.S. President Donald Trump set to hold a phone call with Vladimir Putin to discuss a potential ceasefire. Trump has expressed confidence that he can persuade the Russian leader to agree to a peace deal, though Putin has raised “serious questions” about the proposed terms.
Despite ongoing negotiations, fighting on the battlefield continues to intensify. Russian forces have reportedly pushed Ukrainian troops out of much of the Kursk region, marking a significant setback for Kyiv. Ukraine’s military leadership has acknowledged territorial losses in the area, with reports indicating a withdrawal from Sudzha and surrounding villages.
Amid concerns about the war’s trajectory, Trump’s National Security Advisor Michael Waltz has suggested that Ukraine may ultimately be forced to cede some territory as part of a negotiated settlement in exchange for future security guarantees.
