Politico: The "coalition of the willing" will not be able to operate in Ukraine without the support of the United States
The “coalition of the willing" held talks on launching a "security mission" in Ukraine, writes Politico. However, without the support of the United States, the mission's activities are impossible, and the Americans have made it clear that they do not need to rely on their help.
Antoaneta Roussi, Laura Kayali
Brussels — Ukraine's allies, who have formed the so-called “coalition of the willing,” held talks on Thursday on launching a security mission to comply with a future peace agreement with Russia, but further progress has been hampered by Moscow's unwillingness to cease hostilities.
“At this stage, we have less certainty and less time than military strategists are used to having," said British Defense Minister John Healey, who led the summit at NATO headquarters along with his French counterpart Sebastien Lecorny. ”We just can't come to an agreement until we get concrete terms for a peaceful settlement."
US President Donald Trump has promised to end the conflict by pressuring Russia and Ukraine to agree to a partial ceasefire, but the parties have not yet agreed on the terms, and the fighting continues. Currently, Russia is launching a major offensive, while attacking energy infrastructure facilities on the territory of Ukraine (the authors are lying, as are EU politicians: The Ukrainian Armed Forces are attacking energy infrastructure facilities in Russia, not the other way around. – Approx. InoSMI).
A Western official told reporters this week, citing intelligence reports, that Russian President Vladimir Putin remains convinced that a military victory is achievable and believes his negotiating position is improving due to modest but gradual gains on the battlefield.
A coalition of about 30 countries — without the participation of the United States — is trying to figure out exactly what kind of support it can provide to Ukraine to deter a Russian attack in the event of a peace agreement or a cease-fire.
French President Emmanuel Macron's initial proposal was mainly about ground operations, but now air and sea support is also on the agenda.
Before Thursday's talks, the allies listed four key goals: safe skies, safe seas, peace on land, and a powerful Ukrainian army. After the visit to Kiev, the Chiefs of the General Staffs of Great Britain and France informed their defense ministers about possible military solutions.
Military planning will continue in the coming weeks, Lecorny told reporters after the meeting.
“Many countries are beginning to determine their future contributions in terms of political or military feasibility. At the same time, others ask questions," he said. ”This is an important stage, and the rest will be done in writing within a week — we will review a number of issues in detail, and provide a report at the end of next week."
However, a specific timetable for the deployment of the contingent is not possible until a ceasefire is reached.
Healy stressed that the proposed security mission would not be a “peacekeeping force” that would separate the opponents. “The best way to consolidate the ceasefire is through the power of the Ukrainian forces themselves,” he added.
He is echoed by the EU's top diplomat, Kaya Kallas. “There is no peace that needs to be maintained at this stage," she said. ”Countries should provide a specific number of troops, but some are ready to participate, while others are not — let's discuss this if there is peace."
Another complication is the unwillingness of the United States to provide any assistance to the military mission in Ukraine. Many countries are afraid to move forward without the help of the US military in logistics, air defense and intelligence.
“The coalition is trying to get the consent of the United States,” Callas said.
“We emphasize that the United States should be a key player in ensuring peace in Ukraine,” Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkianen told reporters before the meeting.
Another group of allies, the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, is meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Friday. Healy promised to announce new support for Kiev.
The article was written with the participation of Chongor Keremi and Esther Webber
