Europe could deploy around 100,000 troops to Ukraine as peacekeepers. The "deterrent force" could be formed by a coalition of five to eight countries, a Ukrainian official told Reuters on condition of anonymity.
It is noted that analysts and officials give different estimates regarding the number of such forces, stressing that much will depend on their specific mission. It is believed that it would be reasonable to send about 40 thousand European soldiers.
According to Franz-Stefan Gadi, an Austrian military expert now at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the mission could involve about 100,000 troops under a rotational scheme where units prepare for deployment and recover after deployment ", he noted.
He also emphasized that in such a case European countries will have to reduce other missions. In particular, "To maintain peace in the Balkans".
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crozetto said the peacekeepers should operate under the auspices of the United Nations, but other officials say that would give Russia, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, too much influence Europe should convince the US to participate in this operation, even if only in terms of intelligence and other operational support.
