Ten European countries ‘ready' to send forces to Ukraine
European officials on Tuesday fleshed out the plan to send a multinational 'reassurance force' to deter future Russian aggression at a meeting and now await Donald Trump's approval, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
The first stage would allegedly include European troops – including hundreds of British and French soldiers – being stationed in Ukraine, away from the frontline, to help its military with training and reinforcements.
A later stage of the plan calls for a US backstop to contribute to intelligence sharing, border surveillance, weapons supplies and possibly air defence.
The size and the role the European force will play is still largely unclear, however details are expected to be agreed in the coming days.
Mr Trump on Tuesday ruled out putting American boots on the ground once a peace deal is signed but instead suggested the US is prepared to air support to police Ukraine's skies.
'When it comes to security, they're willing to put people on the ground,' Mr Trump told Fox News. We're willing to help them with things, especially — probably you could talk about by air, because there's nobody that has the kind of stuff we have.'
The extent of US assistance remains murky, but at a minimum European officials expect Washington to provide intelligence and weaponry through European partners, Bloomberg reported.
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