Zelenskyy Discusses Peacekeeping Plans with European Military Leaders Amid U.S. Hesitation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy convened with senior military officials from the United Kingdom and France in Kyiv on Saturday, April 5, 2025, to deliberate on deploying a multinational peacekeeping force to Ukraine. The discussions took place as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to withhold security guarantees for such an initiative.
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The UK Ministry of Defence revealed that talks focused on the structure, size, and composition of a potential “reassurance force.” Admiral Antony Radakin, the UK’s Chief of Defence Staff, highlighted Britain’s commitment to enhancing Ukraine’s military capabilities to deter Russian aggression effectively.
These talks are anticipated to lay the groundwork for an upcoming meeting between defense ministers in Brussels and the Ukraine Defence Contact Group scheduled for Friday. Britain has been advocating for a European-led peacekeeping mission in the event of a ceasefire but insists that U.S. backing is crucial to ensure its credibility against potential Russian retaliation.
Building such a force—estimated at 10,000 to 30,000 troops—poses logistical challenges for European nations, many of which have downsized their militaries since the Cold War but are now rearming in response to Russia’s actions.
Meanwhile, President Trump has been vocal about his push for a ceasefire in Ukraine. He has temporarily halted military aid to Kyiv and reiterated his stance that Ukraine will not join NATO.