Despite strong affirmations from London and Paris, a proposed “coalition of those who wish” aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s defense against renewed Russian aggression appears to be facing important hurdles. The initiative, envisioned as a collaborative effort among european partners, is currently grappling with a lack of consensus on key operational details.

Mission Scenarios and Unresolved Questions

Participating nations are reportedly considering various deployment scenarios, but a final decision hinges on the trajectory of peaceful settlement efforts. Critical questions remain unanswered, including:

• The specific number of troops involved.
• The coalition’s mandate and scope of authority.
• The timing of deployment: whether it would occur after a ceasefire or only upon a full peace agreement.

These uncertainties underscore the absence of a definitive political agreement on the mission’s parameters.

Diverging Perspectives Among Key Players

While some nations express optimism, others remain cautious. British Defense Minister John Healey outlined four primary objectives for the potential foreign contingent:

• Ensuring a secure air and sea habitat.
• Supporting peace on the ground.
• Strengthening Ukraine’s armed forces to deter Russia.

however, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign affairs, Kai Kallas, indicated that recent negotiations have not yielded clarity on the operation’s practical implementation, noting different member states have different opinions, and discussions are still ongoing. Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto echoed this sentiment, characterizing the coalition as only a theoretical reflection on the possible assistance of Ukraine and suggesting a lack of immediate prerequisites for its realization.

Ukrainian Perspective: A Cautious Optimism

Alexander Merezhko, a People’s Deputy of Ukraine and chairman of the parliamentary committee on foreign policy and inter-parliamentary cooperation, offered his insights in an interview:

First of all, it is indeed worth noting that the very fact of discussing this issue, that is, how the security of Ukraine can be guaranteed, if an agreement on the ceasefire is reached, this is already a very positive and vital step. There are proposals for its functioning, in detail discussed in detail. Even though, indeed, we still have no such complete specificity and clarity. A total of about 200 military strategists from 30 countries are working on creating a strategy for protecting the Ukrainian sky and the seas, and also ensuring peace on land. Thus, certain features of this “coalition of those who wish” are loomed.
Alexander Merezhko, people’s Deputy of Ukraine

Merezhko acknowledged the ongoing discussions but emphasized the lack of concrete details. He also pointed out that the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is absolutely not interested in this. That is, so far everything related to this coalition is discussed, albeit at a serious, but theoretical level. He anticipates a final decision from partners regarding the potential deployment of a military contingent in Ukraine within weeks, aimed at ensuring security after the war with Russia concludes.

Geographic Considerations and Deterrence

Europe is exploring various options for deploying its forces, including along the Dnieper River, in western Ukraine, or even in neighboring countries. However, it is asserted that European troops would not be stationed on the front lines. This approach bears a resemblance to a proposal by Keith Kellogg,a special representative of Donald Trump,who suggested dividing Ukraine into zones of influence,similar to post-war Berlin.

Merezhko commented on the proposed deployment:

As for the geography of the possible deployment of the forces of the coalition, it is still the main thing that is proposed that these troops will be in the western part of our country. And here is the main question, what will be their function, so to speak.From my personal perspective, they should fulfill the functions of deterrence, as Putin is really afraid of European forces and such powerful European countries as Great Britain and france. Perhaps there will be some additional military functions of these forces, for example, related to the training of our military and a wide range of military-technical assistance.
Alexander Merezhko, People’s Deputy of Ukraine

He believes the primary function of the international contingent should be deterrence, leveraging the influence of European powers like Great Britain and France.

The U.S. Factor: A Missing Piece?

While approximately 15 countries have expressed willingness to contribute troops, the absence of U.S. support poses a significant challenge. british Prime Minister Cyrus Starmer has indicated that the coalition’s viability hinges on security guarantees from the United States.However,current indications suggest that President trump is unlikely to provide such assurances.

Merezhko elaborated on the complexities of securing U.S. involvement:

In general, Europeans saw that they could only rely on themselves. Because Trump positions himself as a president, ending the war. That is, he sees such a peacekeeper in himself. And therefore, the presence of american troops in Europe will decrease, and it is unlikely that he will agree, at least now, on the deployment of American troops into Ukraine as guarantees.
Alexander Merezhko, People’s Deputy of Ukraine

Despite the lack of a positive response from Washington, Merezhko emphasized the importance of continued engagement with European partners, particularly Great Britain and France, who recognize the interconnectedness of their security with Ukraine’s victory.

Trump’s Strategy: Uncertainty and potential Risks

Speculation abounds regarding President Trump’s approach to the conflict, with some suggesting a desire to resume relations with russia, which opposes the deployment of Western forces in Ukraine.

merezhko offered his perspective on Trump’s evolving strategy:

It seems to me that so far Donald Trump really has not decided what his strategy in relation to Ukraine, Europe will be. We see from certain statements that there are different people in his environment… Such people are trying to promote another strategy, another plan for Trump, which is essentially creating even such a kind of partnership between the United states and Russia, especially in an economic direction. In parallel, these people are trying to prove to Donald Trump that in this partnership between the United States and russia, Ukraine is an obstacle. Therefore, it needs to be eliminated in any way. And this is a great danger.
Alexander Merezhko, People’s Deputy of Ukraine

He cautioned against the potential for a U.S.-Russia partnership that could undermine Ukraine’s interests.

Europe’s Resolve: A stand for Security

Despite the uncertainties surrounding U.S. involvement, Europe appears steadfast to support Ukraine, even if it means taking on greater risks.

Merezhko concluded with a note of optimism:

I believe that Europe is ready to take such a risk. In the UK, the spirit of churchill really awakens with his understanding of how important it is to resist evil in the world, and the spirit of de Gaulle, if we talk about France… European leaders began to perceive the war not as someone else’s problem, but as their war, in the sense that they understand that we are fighting and protecting the whole of Europe. And this understanding gives just the optimism that europe will be consistently on the side of Ukraine and will not follow the path of peace of the aggressor, will not follow the path of the Munich conspiracy of the 38th year.
Alexander Merezhko, People’s Deputy of Ukraine

he expressed hope that Europe will remain steadfast in its support for Ukraine, recognizing the broader implications for its own security.