A multinational force is being prepared to deploy to Ukraine, based on a mechanism similar to NATO's Article 5, but the participating countries and the specific responsibilities of each state remain unclear. Meanwhile, several countries have already expressed their positions. The initial plan envisages the deployment of around 30 soldiers to oversee strategic infrastructure. According to sources, the leadership would be entrusted to French and British generals. Finland, Denmark and Norway have expressed their willingness to send troops, while Germany remains cautious and Spain is expected to make a decision after a final agreement is reached.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also mentioned Canada, Australia and New Zealand as countries willing to contribute, with roles ranging from intelligence and logistical support to military contributions. According to Corriere della Sera, the US has committed to Ukraine's security through an annex to a 28-point Russian-US plan, but without sending troops on the ground. Kiev has demanded that this commitment be approved by a vote in Congress, which Washington appears to have accepted, although the White House intends to maintain the restrictions imposed during the presidency of Joe Biden.
Ukraine's defense will be supported by US intelligence and a territorially dispersed intervention force. The US will ask its bases in Eastern Europe, especially in Poland, to use anti-aircraft capabilities, including Patriot systems, drones and the immediate deployment of fighter jets. According to the so-called "Berlin formula", the security guarantees are intended to deter a new Russian aggression, with US support also within Ukraine's borders. In return, Washington is demanding greater and more concrete commitment from Europe, testing its political credibility. However, Russia currently refuses to deploy troops from NATO member states or the Coalition of the Willing in Ukraine. Zelensky has stated that more than 30 countries are ready to contribute to the security guarantees, but not all with troops, some with logistics or intelligence.
Italy, for its part, does not rule out a role in training Ukrainian forces, but only outside Ukrainian territory. This, according to sources, is not the main priority for Kiev or the US. The goal remains to prevent a new invasion by Moscow, through real and tangible deterrence, which also implies the possibility of a direct military confrontation.
In this context, the rules of engagement are essential. The relevant declaration speaks of a “legally binding commitment” to take measures in the event of a future attack, including the use of armed force, intelligence assistance, logistical support, and economic and diplomatic action. France and the UK are leading this initiative, followed by the Baltic and Scandinavian countries. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has confirmed that the US is ready for “military action” if Russia violates the agreement, but only if Europe takes a greater role. In short, the message is clear: if the situation escalates, Europe is expected to bear the main burden on the ground, while the US will remain in support. This requires a profound change in the mentality about European security, the real essence of the current debate.
© BalkansWebsite
Information source @BalkanWeb: Read more at: the world today www.botasot.al
