The possibility of sending European troops to Ukraine, especially if Donald Trump reduces the United States’ commitment, is once again animating the debate. With the difference that together with France – which had first floated the hypothesis – there is now Great Britain, which in fact would be the most willing. Paris and London they would be the majority shareholders of the initiative, to which other countries along the same lines would be added. Because the situation is serious, as well as fluid.
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NATO, for example, is encouraging allies to “change models” of soldier training because “more men are needed” to face the changed security reality in Europe. With the draft which is now no longer a taboo in various EU members. A “British source” confided to Le Monde that “discussions are ongoing between the United Kingdom and France on defense cooperation, in particular with the aim of creating a hard core between allies in Europe, centered on Ukraine and European security in the broadest sense”.
Even in the absence, for the moment, of official decisions, the newspaper speaks of “proposals on the table” to the Ministry of Defense, such as that of the company Défense Conseil International (DCI), the main operator of the Ministry of the Armed Forces which deals with contracts of French arms exports and the resulting transfer of military savoir-faire. DCI would therefore be “ready to continue the training of Ukrainian soldiers in Ukraine, as it already does in France and Poland.
It could thus, in case of need, ensure the maintenance of the French military equipment sent to Kiev. DCI has therefore contacted Babcock, a British counterpart company already present in Ukraine, to share the installations it already has”. Furthermore, the presence of private defense companies on Ukrainian soil is also being studied.
Italy, through Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, reiterated that it will not send soldiers to fight in Ukraine.
“We must avoid escalation, Russia is taking on serious responsibilities by having North Korean soldiers fight and enlisting Houthis and Iranian proxies”, he underlined on the eve of tomorrow’s NATO-Ukraine Council, where however no major twists are expected ( Kiev will return to asking for more air defense, perhaps even the Thaad system in addition to the Patriots, to counter Moscow).
In short, the current scenario is increasingly precarious and NATO, as anticipated, is taking action because it is not just a question of spending more, now we also need to find the personnel necessary to defend Europe.
“We must recognize – explains a senior allied official to ANSA – that we come from an era in which we had small, professional armed forces, with very high quality, expensive, but with limited numbers, that with the current percentage of losses in Ukraine they would have difficulty managing the second or third month of conflict: therefore we encourage the allies to change and assign NATO the numbers we need.” Last week there was a meeting at the General Staff level on the topic the issue is purely political and one method is not imposed on the capitals – the lever, so to speak – in favor of another (for example the reserves, the path preferred at the moment by Italy).
The fact is that various forms of conscription are returning to Europe. Latvia has reintroduced it (from 2028 7,500 men will be called up every year) and even Germany is thinking about it. Although many cite the Swedish hybrid model – introduced after the annexation of Crimea – as an example.
In fact, all eighteen-year-olds must present themselves (mandatory) for an evaluation: every year only around 5-10% of both men and women take part in military service and only young people willing to do so are recruited.
A sweeter option than the old naja, certainly, which however certifies the end of an era. As demonstrated by the fact that Germany is working on a national plan on bunkers.
The country has few of them, having abandoned those of the past. And Bild writes that the government will urge citizens to equip garages and cellars to provide safe stations in the buildings in which they live. War in Europe has long since ceased to be a taboo.
**Considering the past reluctance of European nations to engage in direct military conflict, what factors could tip the scales in favor of troop deployment to Ukraine, and what compromises might be necessary to achieve a consensus among EU member states? **
## World Today News Interview: European Troop Deployment in Ukraine
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we’re discussing the potential deployment of European troops to Ukraine, a topic gaining significant traction in light of recent developments. Joining us are two esteemed guests:
* **Dr. Anya Petrova:** Security Analyst specializing in Eastern European affairs.
* **Mr. James Thompson:** Former UK diplomat with extensive experience in NATO operations.
**Section 1: The Shifting Landscape**
* **Moderator:** Dr. Petrova, the article suggests that the possibility of European troop deployment has resurfaced, particularly with France and the UK leading the charge. What are the key factors driving this renewed discussion?
* **Dr. Petrova:** …
* **Moderator:** Mr. Thompson, how do you assess the likelihood of actual troop deployment? What are the political hurdles that might arise within the EU and NATO?
* **Mr. Thompson:** …
**Section 2: NATO’s Role and The Need for Personnel**
* **Moderator:** The article mentions NATO urging allies to “change models” for soldier training, signifying a shift in its approach. Dr. Petrova, can you elaborate on the reasoning behind this call for change and the challenges it presents?
* **Dr. Petrova:** …
* **Moderator:** The article also highlights the potential use of private defense companies like DCI and Babcock. Mr. Thompson, what are the implications of relying on private entities for such a critical task?
* **Mr. Thompson:** …
**Section 3: Domestic Responses and Public Opinion**
* **Moderator:** Italy has firmly stated its opposition to sending troops. Dr. Petrova, how prevalent is this reluctance across Europe? What are the key arguments driving public opinion on intervention?
* **Dr. Petrova:**…
* **Moderator:** Mr. Thompson, how significant is public opinion in shaping governments’ decisions on military deployments, especially in a complex situation like this?
* **Mr. Thompson:** …
**Section 4: The Future of European Security**
* **Moderator:** The article paints a picture of a changing security landscape in Europe.
Dr. Petrova, what are the long-term implications of these developments on European defense strategy?
* **Dr. Petrova:** …
* **Moderator:** Mr. Thompson, considering the potential return of conscription and investments in bunkers in countries like Germany, how do you see European security evolving in the coming years?
* **Mr. Thompson:** …
**Conclusion:**
Thank you, Dr. Petrova and Mr. Thompson, for sharing your valuable insights. This discussion clearly demonstrates the complexities surrounding the potential deployment of European troops to Ukraine and highlights the broader shifts in European security dynamics.
