As Ukraine continues to endure Russia’s aggression, the prospect of Western troops being stationed in the country following a ceasefire is gaining traction. Dr. Jan Matkowski, a Ukrainian academic, shared his insights on the matter with Niezalezna.pl, emphasizing that the Kremlin’s primary objective remains unchanged: the capture of Kyiv and the dismantling of the Ukrainian state.
Discussions about deploying peacekeeping forces are not new. The idea resurfaced recently, with reports indicating talks between the UK and France about sending troops to stabilize Ukraine post-conflict. Similar proposals were initiated by France last year. Peacekeeping forces could play a crucial role in deterring further Russian aggression, but the logistics remain contentious.
Dr. Matkowski highlights several scenarios under consideration: positioning troops along the current front line, securing Kyiv, or establishing an aerial shield over Poland to protect Ukrainian military training. However, he cautions that any such deployment would face staunch resistance from Russia, which views Western military presence as a direct challenge to its ambitions.
The expert criticized the West’s cautious approach to arming Ukraine since the invasion began in 2022. “Had Ukraine received robust and timely support, including anti-air systems and aircraft, Putin might have reconsidered his plans early on,” he noted. The restrained aid policy, aimed at preventing escalation with Russia, has instead allowed Moscow to regroup and strengthen its military capabilities.
With reports suggesting that Russia is preparing for future conflicts, potentially with NATO, Dr. Matkowski warns of a growing threat to neighboring countries like Poland, the Baltic states, and Finland. The presence of Western troops, he argues, could bolster Ukraine’s sovereignty, especially as its military and human resources are increasingly strained.
Despite potential benefits, deploying peacekeeping forces would not come without challenges. Military experts have expressed concerns about overstretching already burdened armies and the risk of escalating tensions with Moscow. The Kremlin, unwavering in its pursuit of Kyiv, views any move toward a ceasefire as a temporary pause rather than a path to lasting peace.
As the war nears its third year, Ukraine remains at a crossroads. Western nations face a critical decision: strengthen their commitment to Ukraine or risk emboldening a resurgent Russia. In Dr. Matkowski’s words, “For Ukraine, Western military presence offers a lifeline for independence, but for Russia, it’s an existential threat.”