Jan 27, 2025
Patial RC
President Zelensky speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, urged European nations to stand united, strengthen their defences, and prepare for a future where security cannot be taken for granted. President Zelensky’s statement reflects the immense challenges Ukraine faces in defending itself against Russia’s invasion and the complexity of reaching a sustainable peace deal for its future. Zelensky highlighted the growing threats from Russia, which he described as evolving into a militarised, nuclear-armed state resembling North Korea. “Let’s not forget,” he said, “there’s no ocean separating European countries from Russia. This is not just about “Ukraine First”. This is about Europe’s ability to defend itself and secure its future.
Zelensky underscored the stark reality of Russia’s military capacity, which outpaces Europe in weapon production, and the Kremlin’s ability to mobilise 600,000 troops, with the potential to raise that number to 1.5 million.
Zelensky also called on European nations to consider Trump’s recent call for NATO members to increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP. “If it takes 5% of GDP to cover defense, then so be it, 5% it is.” Zelenskyy said Europe needs to create a united security and defense policy. “Europe must take care of itself.”
Calling for a robust peacekeeping effort, Zelensky proposed a minimum of 200,000 allied troops to enforce any future deal, describing this as a non-negotiable requirement. His request comes up as the newly inaugurated US President Trump promises swift resolution to the conflict, prompting Zelensky to urge Europe to strengthen its role as an “indispensable” global player.
Zelensky has also made a demand that “Ukraine be included in talks to end the war in that he believes could happen under Trump’s Presidency. The terms of any deal that might arise under the new US President were still unclear – and might not even be clear to Trump himself – because Putin has no interest in ending the war”.
Zelensky’s call to action has sparked discussions among world leaders. The UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed solidarity, promising full support but refraining from committing troops. Meanwhile, US President Trump has pledged to bring an early end to the war and has hinted at additional sanctions on Russia if Putin resists negotiations.
Justifications: “Ukraine First”
Peace Enforcement
The presence of Allied Troops could risk direct conflict between NATO and Russian forces, potentially escalating the war beyond Ukraine’s borders. Deploying 200,000 troops could push the war toward a larger geopolitical confrontation, while proponents could contend it serves as a strong deterrent against further Russian aggression.
Ukraine War: Pivotal Moment for Global Security
Why Not UN Peacekeeping Troops?
Why not consider deploying UN peacekeeping troops to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire instead of Allied Troops as Zelensky has emphasized the necessity of substantial allied support to enforce any peace agreement with Russia to enforce any peace agreement with Russia.
However, the feasibility of deploying such a large number of Allied Troops raises concerns. Firstly, Russia has firmly opposed the idea of deploying NATO peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, warning that such actions could lead to “uncontrollable escalation.” The Russian government perceives the presence of NATO forces in Ukraine as a direct threat, potentially exacerbating tensions and complicating peace efforts. Russia may however agree to some representation of UN peacekeeping troops to Ukraine from countries of their choice!
Secondly, former military officials have cautioned that the British Army may lack sufficient personnel to contribute effectively to a peacekeeping mission of this scale and similar will be the case with other NATO members.
As of now, there has been no formal proposal for a UN-led peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. The deployment of UN troops would require a mandate from the UN Security Council. The UN Secretary-General has expressed skepticism about an imminent end to the conflict, suggesting that the war is unlikely to conclude in the immediate future. The UN Secretary-General has to take the lead to end the Russia-Ukraine War early.
Patial RC
President Zelensky speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, urged European nations to stand united, strengthen their defences, and prepare for a future where security cannot be taken for granted. President Zelensky’s statement reflects the immense challenges Ukraine faces in defending itself against Russia’s invasion and the complexity of reaching a sustainable peace deal for its future. Zelensky highlighted the growing threats from Russia, which he described as evolving into a militarised, nuclear-armed state resembling North Korea. “Let’s not forget,” he said, “there’s no ocean separating European countries from Russia. This is not just about “Ukraine First”. This is about Europe’s ability to defend itself and secure its future.
Zelensky underscored the stark reality of Russia’s military capacity, which outpaces Europe in weapon production, and the Kremlin’s ability to mobilise 600,000 troops, with the potential to raise that number to 1.5 million.
Zelensky also called on European nations to consider Trump’s recent call for NATO members to increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP. “If it takes 5% of GDP to cover defense, then so be it, 5% it is.” Zelenskyy said Europe needs to create a united security and defense policy. “Europe must take care of itself.”
Calling for a robust peacekeeping effort, Zelensky proposed a minimum of 200,000 allied troops to enforce any future deal, describing this as a non-negotiable requirement. His request comes up as the newly inaugurated US President Trump promises swift resolution to the conflict, prompting Zelensky to urge Europe to strengthen its role as an “indispensable” global player.
Zelensky has also made a demand that “Ukraine be included in talks to end the war in that he believes could happen under Trump’s Presidency. The terms of any deal that might arise under the new US President were still unclear – and might not even be clear to Trump himself – because Putin has no interest in ending the war”.
Zelensky’s call to action has sparked discussions among world leaders. The UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed solidarity, promising full support but refraining from committing troops. Meanwhile, US President Trump has pledged to bring an early end to the war and has hinted at additional sanctions on Russia if Putin resists negotiations.
Justifications: “Ukraine First”
- The perception of Zelensky’s request is justified with “Ukraine First” but will be influenced by each country’s policies, the economic and military cost, and how citizens of those countries perceive their country’s role in the conflict.
- If Ukraine continues to face significant military aggression from Russia, seeking additional support through allied troops, training, or equipment may be viewed as a necessary demand to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and civilian population.
- Zelensky’s call for Allied Troops reflects Ukraine’s reliance on international support, particularly from NATO allies, to counterbalance Russian military power, which far exceeds Ukraine’s resources. By emphasizing the need for allied troops, Zelensky is underscoring the importance of Europe and its allies playing a decisive role in the region. This would also be a reason to seek early NATO membership.
- Zelensky’s remarks could be aimed at pressuring Western allies to maintain and even increase their military and financial support for Ukraine. By invoking a large number of troops, he signals the severity of the situation, and the scale of commitment required to end the conflict.
- The scale of allied involvement reflects concerns about Russia’s long-term ambitions. A robust international presence could serve as a clear message that any further aggression will face unified resistance from Ukraine’s allies.
Peace Enforcement
- A peace deal would require guarantees that both sides honor the agreement. Given Russia’s history of violating international agreements, Zelensky likely believes that a significant Allied Military presence of 200,000 troops would be needed to enforce and secure any peace deal.
- Such forces could act as peacekeepers to deter further aggression and ensure stability in Ukraine, particularly in contested or recently liberated areas.
- Zelensky stressed that any ceasefire agreement would require Western security assurances, with NATO membership being the “Best Guarantee” – a position supported by most European member countries but opposed by the US, Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia.
- Many NATO countries have already provided significant financial and military aid to Ukraine, but sending large-scale allied troops could challenge their domestic political will and public opinion.
The presence of Allied Troops could risk direct conflict between NATO and Russian forces, potentially escalating the war beyond Ukraine’s borders. Deploying 200,000 troops could push the war toward a larger geopolitical confrontation, while proponents could contend it serves as a strong deterrent against further Russian aggression.
Ukraine War: Pivotal Moment for Global Security
- Zelensky wants to highlight the Ukraine conflict not just as a regional war but as a pivotal moment for global security. A strong European and allied response demonstrates that democratic nations will stand against violations of sovereignty and international law.
- Zelensky’s statement conveys the need for robust and sustained international engagement, both to achieve peace and to position Europe and its allies as defenders of the global order. This is not just about Ukraine—it’s about setting a precedent for resisting aggression worldwide.
Why Not UN Peacekeeping Troops?
Why not consider deploying UN peacekeeping troops to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire instead of Allied Troops as Zelensky has emphasized the necessity of substantial allied support to enforce any peace agreement with Russia to enforce any peace agreement with Russia.
However, the feasibility of deploying such a large number of Allied Troops raises concerns. Firstly, Russia has firmly opposed the idea of deploying NATO peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, warning that such actions could lead to “uncontrollable escalation.” The Russian government perceives the presence of NATO forces in Ukraine as a direct threat, potentially exacerbating tensions and complicating peace efforts. Russia may however agree to some representation of UN peacekeeping troops to Ukraine from countries of their choice!
Secondly, former military officials have cautioned that the British Army may lack sufficient personnel to contribute effectively to a peacekeeping mission of this scale and similar will be the case with other NATO members.
As of now, there has been no formal proposal for a UN-led peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. The deployment of UN troops would require a mandate from the UN Security Council. The UN Secretary-General has expressed skepticism about an imminent end to the conflict, suggesting that the war is unlikely to conclude in the immediate future. The UN Secretary-General has to take the lead to end the Russia-Ukraine War early.
