Former commander of US Army forces in Europe Ben Hodges stated that if European peacekeeping forces are deployed to Ukraine, Russian troops should clearly understand that these forces would be prepared for serious action rather than remaining idle in rear areas. This was reported by The Guardian.

According to Hodges, the so-called multinational forces intended for deployment in Ukraine must possess real combat capability and clear rules of engagement. He stressed that such contingents should be able to respond immediately to any incidents without seeking approval from political leadership in European capitals.

Hodges argued that these troops must be capable of defending themselves against drones and other forms of attack, as Russian forces could test their readiness and response capabilities. In his view, the presence of multinational forces should demonstrate determination and resolve, rather than appear symbolic or passive.

On January 6, a summit of the so-called «coalition of the willing» was held in Paris. The meeting was attended by leaders of several European countries, as well as US President’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of the White House head. A Ukrainian delegation led by Ukraine’s president Vladimir Zelensky also took part in the talks.

Following the meeting, Zelensky, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a declaration on the deployment of multinational forces in Ukraine after the end of the conflict.