NATO Ground Troops in Ukraine: Experts Advocate for Peacekeeping Forces

The discussion surrounding the potential deployment of NATO ground troops to Ukraine has gained renewed attention, particularly in light of ongoing peace negotiations. As German officials prepare for critical decisions, the idea of sending troops to support a potential peace plan is becoming increasingly prominent.

Earlier this year, French President Emmanuel Macron raised the possibility of NATO troop involvement in Ukraine, which was met with significant backlash from Berlin. However, ten months later, this topic has resurfaced in political discussions as France and the UK reportedly explore options for troop deployment. Various experts suggest that NATO ground forces could play a crucial role in facilitating a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Liana Fix, a European affairs expert at the Council on Foreign Relations, argues that NATO member states, particularly in Europe, should form a coalition to send troops to Ukraine. She believes this coalition, potentially led by the UK, France, Germany, and Poland with support from the United States, is essential for establishing a viable ceasefire. Without on-the-ground security guarantees, any ceasefire may be seen as a weakness that Russia could exploit.

Furthermore, the deployment of troops does not necessarily have to occur under NATO's banner; it could be organized through a coalition of willing nations, minimizing the risk of direct conflict between NATO and Russia.

Current discussions between France and the UK indicate a possible formation of such a coalition. Reports suggest that military cooperation talks are underway, including consideration for sending troops to Ukraine, although the specific roles of these soldiers remain unclear. They might assist in training Ukrainian forces or maintaining Western military equipment rather than engaging directly in combat along the front lines.

The notion of NATO troops being part of a broader peace strategy is further emphasized by political developments in the United States. The elected U.S. President has proposed a peace plan that may involve a demilitarized zone in Eastern Ukraine, suggesting that European NATO allies may need to assume responsibility for peacekeeping efforts, especially if U.S. troops are not deployed.

Ian Brzezinski, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, also advocates for the deployment of allied troops to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty. He emphasizes the importance of establishing a security zone over non-occupied areas of Ukraine to enhance the country's chances of negotiating an end to the conflict on its terms. However, he acknowledges that this approach requires a strong commitment from coalition forces to respond decisively to any aggression from Russia.

Conversely, Barry Posen, a professor of political science at MIT, raises concerns about the escalation risks associated with NATO troop deployments. He warns that if NATO soldiers were to encounter difficulties, there would be significant pressure on neighboring NATO countries to intervene militarily, potentially leading to a rapid escalation of the conflict.

Meanwhile, the situation in Ukraine continues to influence the political landscape in Germany as the upcoming Bundestag elections approach. Chancellor Olaf Scholz is positioned as a proponent of peace, which complicates the prospect of sending Bundeswehr troops to Ukraine in the current political climate.

As negotiations for a peace plan evolve, the new German government will need to address the implications of international security guarantees for Ukraine. The proposed U.S. peace plan outlines the suspension of Ukraine's NATO membership aspirations in exchange for a comprehensive and verifiable peace agreement, which will likely necessitate a security presence on the ground.

Ultimately, the pressure will mount on the German government to make a pivotal decision regarding the potential deployment of troops in support of a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, as discussions surrounding the conflict continue to unfold.