Speaking at a recent press event, Pevkur emphasized that the current count is limited only by unresolved questions over the mission’s scope and operational parameters.
“I do not agree that only six countries are ready to deploy. There are definitely more of them. There are just issues that need to be resolved now,” Pevkur stated.
Key Conditions for Deployment
According to Pevkur, the primary conditions that need clarification before a larger coalition can form include:
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A Clear Mandate:
Ukraine must present a formal request along with a well-defined mandate specifying the objectives and scope of the peacekeeping mission. -
Rules of Engagement:
It is essential to establish the parameters for the use of force and define the conditions under which a ceasefire should be enforced.
“There are many questions: What will be the mandate? What are the rules of engagement? Should a ceasefire already be in effect? Once we resolve these issues, along with details on military planning, we will see a much larger number of countries ready to support Ukraine by restoring its forces,” Pevkur explained.
Broader European Perspective
The discussion comes amid ongoing deliberations among European defense leaders. Earlier, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans stressed that final decisions on deploying European troops to Ukraine would depend on how the situation develops. Similarly, coverage in Breaking Defense highlighted that the “coalition of the willing” is currently stalled over two crucial points: the potential troop numbers and the timing of their deployment.
Conclusion
The remarks by Minister Pevkur underscore that the willingness to send peacekeepers to Ukraine is more widespread than the current figures suggest. Once Ukraine clearly defines the mandate and establishes the operational rules, many more nations are expected to join the effort. This evolving dialogue among international partners reflects a robust commitment to supporting Ukraine’s security, even as the final arrangements for a comprehensive peacekeeping mission remain under discussion.
