By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following a summit in Paris, a coalition of willing nations will establish deterrence forces in Ukraine, stationed in strategic areas away from the conflict’s frontlines, potentially near the Dnipro River. These forces, comprising personnel from multiple countries and encompassing land, air, and sea capabilities, will complement—not replace—both Ukrainian forces and potential future peacekeepers. France and Britain will lead military teams to Ukraine to plan the long-term strengthening of its armed forces. The deterrence force’s creation, initiated at Ukraine’s request, remains in its planning stages.
Read the original article here
Macron sums up the Paris summit: Ukraine will have naval, air, and ground deterrence forces. This announcement signals a significant shift in the support provided to Ukraine, moving beyond humanitarian aid and focusing on bolstering its long-term defensive capabilities. The plan, developed in collaboration with Britain and at Ukraine’s request, involves establishing deterrence forces drawn from multiple countries. These forces are explicitly not meant to replace peacekeepers – their purpose is to deter further aggression, not to actively engage in combat on the front lines.
Macron emphasized that this initiative is still in its planning stages. However, the intention is to deploy these forces in strategic locations within Ukraine, rather than directly on the front lines of the conflict. The central location along the Dnieper River is mentioned as a possibility. This strategic positioning suggests a focus on protecting key infrastructure and preventing a wider escalation of the conflict. The deployment would cover all three domains: naval, air, and ground forces. This multifaceted approach aims to create a robust and comprehensive defense system to deter future attacks.
The creation of these deterrence forces is part of a wider security package for Ukraine. This integrated approach highlights a long-term commitment to support Ukraine’s defense capabilities and to offer a stronger deterrent to any further Russian aggression. It involves military teams from France and Britain visiting Ukraine to help determine how best to improve the Ukrainian military. The aim is to assist in the long-term structural development of Ukraine’s defenses. This long-term approach suggests a commitment beyond simply reacting to the current conflict.
Concerns remain regarding the feasibility of this plan. Its success hinges on a successful ceasefire agreement, something that Russia has shown little interest in achieving. This raises questions about whether the deterrence forces can be effectively deployed without a robust ceasefire in place. The discussions around the feasibility and practicality of a ceasefire agreement with Russia should not overshadow the significance of the proposed security assistance for Ukraine.
Skepticism about the effectiveness of this plan is understandable. There’s a feeling that Europe, while offering vocal support, has been slow to provide concrete assistance to Ukraine. The sentiment that European leaders are “acting brave” while relying on a likely unattainable ceasefire agreement is prevalent. The lack of immediate, tangible action does lead to frustration. However, the fact that the plan is being developed at all demonstrates a tangible step toward providing a stronger level of military support than has been previously offered.
The proposal highlights a significant commitment from several countries, demonstrating a potential turning point in the support provided to Ukraine. This commitment, however, still needs to overcome the challenge of a potentially unattainable ceasefire. The debate about the plan’s effectiveness reveals a complex situation with various viewpoints and concerns.
The involvement of multiple nations underscores the collaborative effort to bolster Ukraine’s defenses. It is a recognition of the collective responsibility to counter Russian aggression and to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty. While some question the timing and implementation details, this collaboration marks a potentially crucial step towards a stronger collective defense for Ukraine. While the political undercurrents and potential hurdles are significant, the announcement itself represents a substantial commitment to providing a comprehensive deterrence force for Ukraine.
The plan ultimately aims to create a significant deterrent, providing Ukraine with substantial military support and a stronger position to defend against further Russian attacks. The discussions around its practicality are important, yet the underlying message of increased support for Ukraine is clear and significant. The combination of naval, air, and ground forces shows a commitment to a comprehensive and long-term strategy for Ukrainian security. This strategy intends to move beyond short-term reactions and into a more proactive, sustainable solution. The long-term implications of this decision are significant and will continue to shape the ongoing conflict.