Around ten European countries are preparing to send troops to Ukraine as part of a multinational mission aimed at providing security guarantees once the fighting ends. According to G.Business citing Bloomberg, European officials are discussing plans to deploy British and French forces, alongside other allied contingents, as a framework for long-term stability.
Bloomberg notes that the package of security guarantees could take shape this week (August 18–24). The initiative aims to give Ukraine reliable protection after a peace settlement, comparable in principle to NATO’s Article 5.
The UK government confirmed on August 19 that European military officials are set to meet their American counterparts to define “reliable security guarantees” and prepare for a potential deployment of support forces. NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus Grinkevich, is expected to take part, alongside defense ministers from several member states.
European Council President António Costa said that the terms of the guarantees are expected to be agreed “in the coming days, preferably this week.”
According to Bloomberg, the first phase will focus on strengthening Ukraine’s armed forces through training and reinforcements. A multinational group, primarily composed of European soldiers, could deploy “hundreds of troops” in areas far from the frontline.
The second phase would involve broader U.S. support — intelligence sharing, border monitoring, weapons deliveries, and possibly strengthening Ukraine’s air defense. Europe expects Washington to continue providing equipment and intelligence through European partners.
The backdrop to these talks is the August 15 meeting in Alaska, where Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, agreed that Ukraine should receive “reliable security guarantees.” This marked the first acknowledgment of such a framework by Moscow.
Following that, a so-called “coalition of the willing” signaled readiness to take part by stationing their troops in Ukraine. However, the U.S. position remains cautious: the White House stated Washington can “certainly help with coordination and possibly provide other security means,” while President Trump made clear that no U.S. ground troops would be sent. He did not rule out assistance through “air transport for allies.”
Thus, a two-stage model for Ukraine’s security is emerging, based on European engagement and complemented by U.S. support.
Table: Known and potential countries for the Ukraine security mission
| Country | Reported Role / Contribution | Status |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Royal Marines, training, logistical support | Confirmed by UK government |
| France | Ground troops, military trainers, EU political leadership | Confirmed in EU talks |
| Lithuania | Willingness to send small contingents | Reported by AFP |
| Latvia | Military support, part of Baltic initiative | Reported by AFP |
| Estonia | Political commitment, training and reinforcement | Reported by AFP |
| Germany | Possible involvement, not officially confirmed | Bloomberg, Guardian reports |
| Other 4 states | Not publicly named yet | Unconfirmed |
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