There can be no schedule for deploying troops in Ukraine until a ceasefire is reached, officials emphasized this week.
Shadow Defense Secretary John Healey made clear that the proposed deployment would not involve a “peacekeeping force” separating opposing sides. “The best way to secure a ceasefire is through the strength of the Ukrainian Armed Forces,” he said.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas echoed the sentiment. “Right now, there is no peace to keep,” she stated. Kallas added that any troop commitments would need to come directly from individual EU member states. “Some countries are prepared to participate; others are not. We’ll revisit that question if a peace deal is reached.”
A key concern remains the United States’ hesitation to support any military mission in Ukraine. Without American involvement—particularly in logistics, air defense, and intelligence sharing—many allied nations are reluctant to move forward.
Kallas noted that coalition partners are working to keep the U.S. engaged. “We’re stressing that America must play a central role in securing lasting peace in Ukraine,” she said.
Finland’s Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen reinforced this message ahead of talks. “It’s vital the United States remains a key player in restoring peace,” he told reporters.
Separately, the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, an alliance of Kyiv’s military backers, is scheduled to meet at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Friday. Healey said the group is expected to unveil new support measures for Ukraine.
Reporting by Csongor Körömi and Esther Webber.
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