Britain and France are poised to abandon their plan for troop deployments in Ukraine following a potential ceasefire unless they secure U.S. backing, according to multiple sources. Russia has warned that any Western forces entering Ukrainian territory would be treated as “legitimate targets.”
European leaders from Italy, Germany, France, Canada, the UK, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos next week. The discussions will center on security guarantees the United States might provide should a Russia-Ukraine truce be achieved.
Western European capitals remain deeply concerned about Trump’s apparent lack of commitment to Ukraine. “Without the U.S., none of this happens,” one source stated, emphasizing that Britain and France have made troop deployment pledges contingent upon American support. “It is still unclear what Trump really feels.”
Last week, Britain and France signed a ‘Declaration of Intent’ with Ukraine outlining plans for thousands of troops to be deployed far from the front lines after a peace deal, along with the establishment of military hubs.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff stated that Trump “strongly stands behind” security protocols for Ukraine but did not specify enforcement mechanisms. The president has previously characterized support for Kyiv as largely a European responsibility, though he left open the possibility of limited assistance.
Russia has rejected any Western troop deployments in Ukraine, warning that foreign units would be treated as “legitimate targets” and that such initiatives by Kiev’s allies constitute outside intervention.
Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky has pushed forward with military deployment plans despite warnings from both Moscow and Washington, risking further escalation of conflict without securing critical American backing.