Britain and France are set to deploy up to 30,000 peacekeepers in Ukraine.

The UK and France plan to deploy up to 30,000 peacekeepers in Ukraine

The authorities of the United Kingdom and France are formulating a plan to position up to 30,000 European peacekeeping troops in Ukraine with the "backup" of the United States—if the official Kyiv and the aggressor country Russia come to a ceasefire agreement.

This information was reported by The Wall Street Journal citing statements from European officials.

According to them, the European plan will not require the U.S. to deploy its own forces in Ukraine—this option has been virtually ruled out by the Trump administration—but will seek to leverage American military capabilities that are lacking among European troops.

European officials state that, for example, the U.S. could operate air defense systems in neighboring countries that cover Ukrainian territory, while providing Europeans with new air defense systems.

“U.S. air forces stationed outside Ukraine could be kept on standby in case European troops find themselves in danger,” the publication notes.

European officials assert that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to discuss the developing plan with Trump on February 27, but is unlikely to make a specific request for American assistance. French President Emmanuel Macron, who will meet with the U.S. president on February 24—the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022—will outline broader ally perspectives on the war and how to “calm Ukraine.”

According to European officials in comments to the WSJ, without President Trump's support, the European plan to send peacekeepers “faces a difficult path.”

According to the publication, the plan involves that British and French troops, as well as naval and air forces, will form the core of the so-called “security forces.” They are expected not to be deployed on the front lines in eastern Ukraine, with their mission being to protect critical infrastructure, cities, and ports, including in the Black Sea region, while drones with satellites will monitor the front line to determine whether Russia is adhering to the ceasefire.

“International efforts to assist Ukraine in building its own large and capable armed forces will continue, and the goal of European forces will not be to replace Kyiv's troops,” the publication concluded.