[By Guancha Observer Network, Chen Sijia] According to a report by The Times of the UK on April 29, multiple sources revealed that the UK recently proposed sending a "deterrence force" composed of 64,000 soldiers to Ukraine to ensure its security after a ceasefire agreement was reached between Russia and Ukraine. However, many European countries expressed that they did not have enough personnel and funds to form such a force, and it would be difficult for Europe to gather even 25,000 soldiers.

The report stated that during the formulation of the plan for the "voluntary coalition" force to aid Ukraine, the UK Chief of Defence Staff Tony Radakin asked European allies whether Europe could send 64,000 soldiers into Ukraine if peace agreements were reached between Russia and Ukraine. Radakin said at a meeting earlier this month that the UK is willing to send up to 10,000 military personnel to Ukraine.

However, a source revealed that defense ministers from various European countries "poured cold water" in subsequent meetings. They stated that Europe does not have the capability to form a 64,000-strong force, and even gathering 25,000 would require "full cooperation" from all countries to achieve.

The defense ministers of Europe also expressed their concerns to UK Defense Secretary John Healey. They pointed out that considering the rotation of personnel, to maintain such a scale of forces in Ukraine, a total of 256,000 military personnel would need to be deployed within two years.

The Times disclosed that Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Shakaliene once told European allies, "Russia has 800,000 soldiers. Let me tell you, if we can't even gather 64,000 people, then it's not just about looking weak—it's really weak."

Many European countries are also unwilling to send troops to provide security guarantees for Ukraine. Multiple sources said that Estonia and Finland are both concerned that deploying troops in Ukraine will weaken their own border defenses. Poland, Spain, and Italy have clearly stated that they will not send any soldiers to Ukraine. Germany opposes sending ground troops but has not completely ruled out this measure.

One of the sources直言, “If no major population countries are willing to send troops, this plan will be a dead end.”

On March 2nd, British Prime Minister Starmer, French President Macron, and Ukrainian President Zelensky met Visual China

British Prime Minister Starmer proposed the "voluntary coalition" plan last month, hoping to establish a "peacekeeping force" led by the UK and France to provide security guarantees for Ukraine after a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. The UK and France convened allies multiple times in March to discuss the "voluntary coalition" plan, but no agreement was reached.

The Times reported that according to the most likely scenario, military instructors from the UK and France will be sent to western Ukraine to fulfill the commitment to deploy troops inside Ukraine. However, British and French military personnel will not approach the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

A spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defense claimed, "Advanced operational planning within the 'voluntary coalition' is still ongoing, exploring options across land, sea, and air, and revitalizing the Ukrainian armed forces. At the same time, we will continue to support peace efforts and strengthen military support for Ukraine while the Russian military operation continues."

Reuters of the UK pointed out that there are divisions among European countries regarding the "voluntary coalition" plan. Some countries are hesitant to send troops without US backing and international authorization, concerned about costs, manpower, equipment shortages, and the possibility of future conflicts with Russia.

Russia has clearly opposed European countries sending troops to Ukraine. According to TASS, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Viktor Gerasimov said on the 30th that European countries such as the UK and France are obstructing the resolution of the Ukraine issue. The discussion in Europe about sending a "deterrence force" to Ukraine has drawn attention from the Russian side. "I emphasize that such developments are unacceptable to us. We will take all necessary measures to ensure national security."

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Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7499119647795577354/

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