Britain and France prepare to provide long-term defense for Ukraine without US support, rather than sending peacekeepers.

British and French officials working on plans to deploy peacekeepers in Ukraine have discussed the necessity of providing long-term defense for Ukraine without US involvement. In particular, the officials have shifted their priorities: instead of deploying European troops to support the ceasefire, they will focus on supplying long-term defense for Kyiv independently.

The fact is that there is now serious concern that the US president may indeed abandon his role as a mediator if he cannot bring Russian president to the table. Therefore, the foremost priority is to maintain the necessary support for Ukraine, considering that the US will continue to provide only some resources, including intelligence.

European officials have also agreed on the need to increase economic pressure on Russia. At a meeting of foreign ministers in The Hague, Kyiv’s European allies agreed to invite President Zelenskyy to the NATO summit in June. His attendance had previously been in doubt after Trump spoke out against it.