“No chance”. Kiev allies dream of 64,000 soldiers for Ukraine, but cannot send even half, in the event of a peace agreement

The European nations would have to send even 25,000 soldiers to Ukraine, as part of a multinational proposal for “discouragement”, far from the goal of 64,000 soldiers suggested by the UK defense officials, according to European defense sources, quoted by The Times.

This initiative, in the planning phase under the umbrella of a “coalition of goodwill”, is now re -evaluated, in the context of concerns about the real mobilization capacity, the risks involved and the possible peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, writes The Kyiv Independent.

The coalition, led by the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the French President Emmanuel Macron, aims to form a multinational force that will support Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement, to contribute to the country's military reconstruction and to create long -term discouragement from Russia.

The discussions included the protection of strategic goals on land, sea and air. Over 30 states have expressed their interest in participating, and at least six would be willing to contribute with troops.

The head of the British General Staff, Admiral Tony Radakin, asked the European allies if a force of 64,000 soldiers could be formed, the United Kingdom offering to send up to 10,000 military. France would be indicated that it could equal this number.

The unrealistic vision, highlights the allies

However, according to The Times sources, informed about the Coalition Meeting on April 10 and the subsequent discussions in Brussels, several defense ministers have recognized, in private, that it is unlikely that the European block could gather even 25,000 soldiers, invoking the lack of staff and financial resources.

“No chance,” said an official for The Times, considering the target of 64,000 unrealistic troops without the massive US involvement.

Estonia and Finland have expressed concern about the rotation of troops, logistics and vulnerability of the borders. The Minister of Defense of Lithuania, the Sakalian pumps, criticized the weak commitments of the block: “If not even 64,000 can we gather, it does not seem weak – it is weak.”

Poland, Italy and Spain have already excluded the sending of troops, while Finland and Germany are generally opposed, according to the sources cited.

Previously, The Times reported that France and the UK have reduced their plans. The initial project, which provided for the protection of Ukrainian cities, ports and nuclear power plants, is reconsidered in favor of a more limited and strategic presence. Instead of troops near the front line, Paris and London are now considering sending military instructors to western Ukraine.

On April 25, The Telegraph wrote that the US is open to support the coalition through information and logistics, but they have not promised troops. Keir Starmer presses for a clearer American commitment, warning that, without Washington's support, the coalition discouragement value could become purely symbolic.

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