The Estonian Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, stated that following a potential peace agreement that may be brokered by newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump between Kyiv and Moscow, Europe should be prepared to consider sending its troops to Ukraine.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Tsahkna emphasized that the best option for ensuring Ukraine's security is its membership in NATO, supported by President Volodymyr Zelensky. However, if the U.S. opposes Ukraine's accession to the Alliance, Europe must take measures to prevent further Russian attacks, including deploying its own troops after active combat operations have concluded.
"Real security guarantees mean a fair peace, and then we are talking about NATO membership. But without the U.S., this will be impossible, and it concerns some forms of external presence," Tsahkna stressed.
These statements come in the wake of Trump's recent remarks, in which he promised a swift end to the war in Ukraine, raising concerns about potential compromises that could be unfair to Kyiv. However, Trump also indicated that negotiations with Moscow might necessitate the involvement of European countries to ensure stability in the region.
Tsahkna added that Europe's support for Ukraine will become particularly crucial if the U.S. decides to alter its policy regarding the war in Ukraine. He also pointed out the need for increased defense spending in Europe, as the Baltic states, in Estonia's view, are especially vulnerable to possible Russian aggressive actions.
Source: ft.