A senior EU official has told the outlet that the bloc lacks the troops to fulfill the Ukrainian leader’s request
The EU is unable to fulfill Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky’s request for 200,000 peacekeepers to enforce a potential ceasefire with Russia, a senior official in the bloc told the New York Times in an article published on Tuesday.
Zelensky has advocated for a substantial European peacekeeping force to uphold a potential ceasefire and deter future Russian offensives. He has suggested that a minimum of 200,000 soldiers would be necessary to ensure stability. However, analysts cited by the New York Times consider this figure unattainable, adding that even deploying 40,000 troops would be challenging and could still fall short of providing an effective solution.
“A senior European official said that the continent doesn’t even have 200,000 troops to offer, and that any boots on the ground must have American support, especially faced with the world’s second-largest nuclear power, Russia,” the NYT reported. “If not, they would be permanently vulnerable to Russian efforts to undermine the alliance’s political and military credibility.”
Recent reports by the Financial Times and Politico also indicate that while Kiev has publicly called for 200,000 peacekeepers, it realistically anticipates a deployment of 40,000 to 50,000 troops. The outlets suggested that the lower figure is more feasible, though the EU would still face difficulties assembling a force.
Moscow opposes the introduction of international peacekeepers in Ukraine. Russian officials have argued that the move could escalate tensions and complicate efforts to resolve the conflict.
Earlier this week, Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia stated that any deployment of peacekeepers to Ukraine without Moscow’s consent would be “illegal,” warning that they would be considered legitimate targets.
In an interview with RIA Novosti, he called the rumors about the possible deployment of peacekeepers “bizarre,” noting that they cannot operate without a mandate from the UN Security Council, which Russia is a part of and where it holds the right of veto.
Russia remains opposed to a freezing of the Ukraine conflict and the introduction of peacekeeping forces, insisting that the only way to resolve it is to address the root causes of the conflict.
Moscow insists that Kiev must commit to permanent neutrality, demilitarization, and denazification, while acknowledging the territorial realities on the ground.
