Britain and France working on plans for ‘reassurance force’ to protect Ukraine
Guardian2 days
Europe Plans 30K-Strong Force to Secure Post-War Ukraine
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Above: French Pres. Emmanuel Macron meets with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the Elysée Palace to discuss Ukraine and European security on Feb. 17, 2025. Image copyright: Tom Nicholson/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Britain and France are spearheading efforts to establish a European "reassurance force" of up to 30K troops to prevent future Russian attacks on Ukraine following any potential peace agreement, focusing primarily on air and maritime defense rather than ground forces.
The proposed force would protect critical infrastructure including nuclear power plants, ports, and utilities, while helping to reopen Ukrainian airspace to commercial flights and secure Black Sea trade routes, with troops stationed away from the eastern front line.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are scheduled to visit Washington separately to discuss the plan with Pres. Donald Trump. They are seeking US air power support as a deterrent backstop.
The Spin
Narrative A
The European security force represents a crucial step toward strategic autonomy and demonstrates Europe's commitment to Ukraine's long-term security, while the modest troop numbers and focused mandate make it a realistic and sustainable option for preventing future Russian aggression — and also standing up to the whims of the US.
Narrative B
The proposed force is inadequate for deterring Russian aggression and could potentially escalate tensions with Moscow because Europe's limited military capabilities make it impossible to sustain such a mission without substantial US involvement. This shows that, despite the US urging Europe to take on a more robust security posture, there is nothing more valuable than a transatlantic alliance.
