European allies of Kyiv are working on “very precise plans” to deploy troops in Ukraine if a peace agreement is reached between Kyiv and Moscow, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. She emphasized that any such initiative would have the full backing of the United States, which has shifted its stance on involvement over the past year.
“Security guarantees are essential and indispensable. We have a clear plan and an agreement with the White House… and this work is progressing very well,” von der Leyen told the Financial Times.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has demanded strong security guarantees from Western allies, especially the U.S., as part of any ceasefire deal with Russia, which has so far shown little interest in peace.
Over the weekend, von der Leyen toured EU states bordering Russia, focusing on increased defense spending and military preparedness. She confirmed that European leaders are preparing for a multinational troop deployment with American support.
“Of course, the political decision of each country is necessary, as troop deployment is one of the most important sovereign choices a nation can make. But urgency is high… progress is being made, and the plan is taking concrete shape,” she said.
Von der Leyen added that President Donald Trump had personally assured European leaders of a U.S. presence as part of the mission: “This has been very clear and confirmed several times.”
Paris Summit on September 4
European leaders are expected to discuss the plans further at a high-level summit in Paris on September 4, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. Attendees are set to include:
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
Speaking to German broadcaster ZDF, Merz warned that the war could drag on, but insisted that ending it at Ukraine’s expense “is not an option.”
“We are trying to end it as soon as possible, but not at the price of Ukraine’s capitulation. The war could end tomorrow if Ukraine surrendered and lost its independence—but that is unacceptable,” Merz stressed.
U.S. and NATO Role
According to reports, American forces would provide command, control, intelligence, and surveillance equipment, but not ground troops. European allies are considering sending tens of thousands of soldiers as part of the peacekeeping operation.
Trump has repeatedly said ending the Ukraine war is a top priority for his administration. However, he has also expressed frustration over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s refusal to meet Zelensky and Moscow’s continued airstrikes on Ukrainian civilian targets.
“Putin has not changed. He is a predator. [Trump] wants peace, but Putin refuses to negotiate… Trump has had negative experiences with him; Putin does not do what he says,” von der Leyen remarked.
Continued Russian Strikes
Despite ongoing diplomacy, Russia carried out airstrikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure in at least two regions on August 31. In response, Zelensky vowed Ukraine would continue to defend itself and expand long-range strikes on targets inside Russia.
“Forces and resources are ready. New deep strikes have also been planned,” Zelensky posted on X after receiving a battlefield update from General Oleksandr Syrskiy.
