The Times reported that some European defense officials have recently suggested that the plan to send 64,000 soldiers to Ukraine from the voluntary alliance would be impossible without the large-scale participation of the US.
The plan, initiated by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, was expected to support Ukraine in ensuring post-confliction security, rebuilding the army and maintaining long-term deterrence against Russia.
Discussions between countries in the voluntary alliance have even considered protecting strategic positions on land, in the air and at sea.
Although more than 30 countries have expressed goodwill, only 6 have pledged to send troops, of which the UK and France are ready to contribute 10,000 soldiers each.
However, London has so far reportedly changed plans and not deployed troops to Ukraine in the post-conflict period. Instead, the UK is considering a more limited strategic presence, possibly only sending military coaches to western Ukraine, instead of sending troops closer to the front line.
This comes from the fact that British authorities see the risk as too great and the current force is not enough to take on the expected role. The French government also has a similar view.
Previously, at a meeting between European defense officials on April 10 in Brussels ( Belgium), many officials also expressed hesitation about this plan. They admitted in private discussions that deploying 25,000 soldiers was difficult, let alone the number of 64,000 soldiers as the Chief of the British Army's General Staff, Mr. Tony Radakin, had proposed.
Afterwards, Lithuania Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene criticized the view. Sakaliene said that if Europe cannot mobilize 64,000 soldiers, the continent's defense capabilities will be "really weak".
However, later the UK, Poland, Italy, Spain, Finland and Germany have also denied the possibility of deploying troops to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, The Telegraph reported on April 25 that the US is ready to support the alliance by sharing intelligence and logistics, although it has not committed to deploying troops. Prime Minister Starmer urged Washington to make stronger commitments, warning that without the US, the alliance's deterrent will not be effective.
