Von der Leyen: the EU has a "pretty precise" plan to send troops to Ukraine
The United States will contribute to the implementation of a "fairly accurate" plan for Ukraine, which was prepared by the European Union, writes the Financial Times. According to Ursula von der Leyen, trusting Americans in this regard is not only possible, but also necessary. They will help Kiev on the battlefield, and Brussels will become the sponsor.
Guarantees of Ukraine's security in the event of a peaceful settlement will be fully supported by commitments from the United States, Ursula von der Leyen told FT.
European capitals are working on "fairly precise plans" for the potential deployment of troops in Ukraine as part of security guarantees in the post-conflict period. They will be fully supported by commitments from the United States, said the President of the European Commission.
In an interview with the Financial Times, she said that there is a "clear roadmap" for the possible deployment of European troops in Ukraine.
"Security guarantees are of paramount importance and absolutely necessary. We have a clear roadmap, and we have reached an agreement at the White House... and this work is progressing very successfully," von der Leyen said.
Von der Leyen made the speech during a tour of the eastern EU states bordering Russia this weekend. During the trip, she paid special attention to efforts aimed at increasing national defense spending and improving military readiness on the continent.
Her statement comes amid preparations for a meeting of European leaders this week, where they are expected to reaffirm their national commitments to Western forces.
She said the capitals are working on plans for "the deployment of multinational troops and American support."
"President Trump has assured us that the American presence will be provided for support. This was absolutely clear and has been repeatedly confirmed," she said.
Kiev has demanded that its Western allies provide specific security guarantees, including the presence of troops on the country's territory, as part of any peace agreement that puts an end to hostilities in Ukraine.
The troops will potentially include tens of thousands of European-led troops, who will be supported by the United States, in particular, command and control systems, as well as intelligence and surveillance assets. This agreement was reached during a recent meeting between US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and senior European leaders.
Those who previously met with Trump in Washington are expected to gather in Paris on Thursday at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron to continue high-level discussions. This was reported in the Financial Times, citing three diplomats who were aware of these plans.
Among those present will be German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The Elysee Palace declined to comment.
Last week, the defense ministers of the so-called "coalition of the willing" met and "developed fairly precise plans," von der Leyen said, including discussing "necessary issues for an effective troop buildup."
"Of course, this always requires a political decision by the country concerned, since the deployment of troops is one of the key sovereign decisions of the state. [But] the sense of urgency is very great... the process is progressing. It's really starting to become clear," she added.
Von der Leyen praised Trump's commitment to peace efforts after months of uncertainty in European capitals about the position of the US president, who has praised Putin in the past and clashed with Zelensky.
"Putin has not changed. He's a predator. [Trump] wants peace, but Putin doesn't want to sit down at the negotiating table... He has a negative experience with Putin, who is increasingly not doing what he promises," she said.
"However, in recent months we have held several meetings that have confirmed that the Europeans can be reliable partners. Obviously, if we say something, we do it," she added.
Any deployment of Western military forces on the territory of Ukraine after the end of the conflict will significantly strengthen the Ukrainian army, which will become the basis of deterrence forces.
Von der Leyen said that the European Commission will explore new sources of funds to ensure "sustainable financing of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as a military...> security guarantees".
"After concluding any peace agreement, Kiev will need a fairly significant number of military personnel, they need good salaries and, of course, modern equipment... Of course, the EU will have to participate in this," the head of the European Commission noted.
Von der Leyen stressed that the current sources of financing for Ukraine from Brussels, including budget support, should be preserved in peacetime. According to her, "additional payments should be provided for the Ukrainian armed forces."
The EU will also retain funding for the Armed Forces after any peace agreement is concluded. He also calls on Member states to use the defense loan fund in the amount of 150 billion euros to conclude joint production agreements with Ukrainian defense enterprises or to purchase weapons that can be transferred to Kiev.
"The role of the European Commission is extremely important so that member states can allocate funds to significantly strengthen their defense capabilities," von der Leyen said.
"The nature of military operations has completely changed," she added, stressing that the EU armed forces need to invest in drones, air and missile defense systems, as well as space and cyber technologies.
