Some of the Armed Forces of Ukraine may be stationed in European countries. This could supposedly happen as part of a possible peace settlement in Ukraine.
The author of the article, Mark Urban, writes that for a peaceful settlement, Putin wants Ukraine to maintain a small number of troops, and their connection with NATO to be limited. Therefore, Urban argues, the West is considering various proposals on how this can be implemented for the sake of a ceasefire and peace. At the same time, they will probably not do anything contrary to how Ukraine sees it.
One such idea is “allowing large numbers of Ukrainian troops to be based in NATO countries so that they are not, strictly speaking, part of their country’s deployed forces.”
Another version also involves the deployment of Western weapons in Ukraine in order to be able to quickly deploy forces in the event of a new war – that is, in the case when, after reaching peace agreements, Russia again goes on the offensive in Ukraine.
Let us recall that Kursor wrote that Russia, as a country with significant nuclear potential, violates all international norms. And this puts Western countries at a dead end. After all, it is still unknown what to do with the Russian leadership, which, despite breaking all the rules, continues to remain a serious global force.
Earlier, Kursor also reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his troops to oust the Armed Forces of Ukraine from the Kursk region by January 20, 2025. It is on this day that the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump is planned. This was stated by President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky during a speech at the III International Conference on Food Security “Grain From Ukraine”.
Title: Navigating the Path to Peace: An Interview with Mark Urban on Ukraine’s Armed Forces and Potential Peace Settlements
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news! I’m thrilled to have Mark Urban with us today, a renowned expert on conflict resolution and international relations. Mark, thank you for joining us!
Mark Urban: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Interviewer: Your recent article discusses the potential deployment of some Armed Forces of Ukraine to European countries as part of a peace settlement. Can you elaborate on how this idea came about?
Mark Urban: Certainly! The notion stems from ongoing discussions among various stakeholders about how best to ensure a sustainable peace in Ukraine. Many analysts speculate that having Ukrainian forces stationed in neighboring countries could bolster regional security while simultaneously easing tensions.
Interviewer: That’s intriguing. What are some potential benefits of this strategy for both Ukraine and European nations?
Mark Urban: For Ukraine, this could provide a measure of international support and security assurance while transitioning to a post-conflict era. For European countries, it could solidify alliances and demonstrate a unified front against aggression. It also serves as a deterrent to any resurgence of hostilities.
Interviewer: Are there any risks associated with this approach?
Mark Urban: Absolutely. Stationing Ukrainian forces abroad may create discomfort among the local populations and could lead to perceptions of foreign militarization. Moreover, it could provoke reactions from neighboring states, particularly those with vested interests in Ukraine, potentially complicating existing geopolitical dynamics.
Interviewer: It sounds like careful navigation will be essential. How do you envision the process of these negotiations unfolding?
Mark Urban: Negotiations will likely be multilateral, involving not just Ukraine and Russia, but also NATO allies and other European nations. It’s crucial for dialog to focus on mutual security interests, economic incentives, and, importantly, the long-term vision for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Interviewer: With so many moving parts, how critical is international involvement in these negotiations?
Mark Urban: International involvement is pivotal. External mediators can facilitate dialog, offer neutral ground for discussion, and provide frameworks for monitoring agreements. Plus, continued support from international entities can bolster the legitimacy and sustainability of any settlement.
Interviewer: Shifting gears, what role do you think public opinion will play in this process?
Mark Urban: Public sentiment is incredibly influential. Both Ukrainian citizens and those in European nations need to feel invested in peace efforts. Transparency and inclusion in the dialog can foster a sense of ownership and commitment to the peace settlement, which is vital for its success.
Interviewer: What’s your outlook for the future regarding Ukraine’s armed forces and peace prospects?
Mark Urban: While the road ahead is certainly challenging, there’s a glimmer of hope. If the international community can unite around a clear and fair framework for peace, and if all parties remain committed to dialog, there’s a genuine chance for a stable resolution that ensures Ukraine’s sovereignty while promoting regional stability.
Interviewer: Thank you, Mark. Your insights shed light on a complex situation. This has been an engaging discussion, and we hope to see significant progress in the coming months.
Mark Urban: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss such an important topic.
Interviewer: And thank you to our audience. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to follow this evolving story.