Western Forces in Ukraine Could Force Russia to Peace, Says Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has suggested that deploying Western forces in Ukraine could help “force Russia to peace.” During a meeting in Germany with the “Contact Group,” which includes Kyiv’s most prominent allies, Zelensky stated that “the deployment of partner contingents is one of the best tools” aimed at “forcing Russia to peace.”
Discussions in several Western capitals have focused on the possibility of stationing foreign troops in Ukraine to enforce any peace agreement.
However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov commented on this Western proposal as part of any settlement to end the current crisis, stating in an interview with the Russian state news agency TASS last December that Moscow opposes this idea. Lavrov expressed Moscow’s dissatisfaction with proposals made by representatives of the incoming U.S. President Donald Trump, which include deferring Ukraine’s NATO membership for 20 years and sending a peacekeeping force to Ukraine, comprised of British and European troops.
The Kremlin had previously indicated that “it is far too early to discuss peacekeeping forces.”
Meanwhile, Trump, set to assume office on January 20, has claimed he can broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours. He has suggested using Washington’s financial and military support to Ukraine, amounting to billions of dollars, to pressure Kyiv.
Members of his team have floated various ideas, including deploying European forces to monitor any ceasefire along the 1,000-kilometer front line and postponing Kyiv’s aspirations to join NATO for an extended period.
The strategic deployment of Western forces in Ukraine remains a contentious issue, with varied reactions from global leaders, highlighting the complex geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe. As Ukraine continues to navigate its path toward peace and security, the international community watches closely, weighing the potential outcomes of such military involvement.
