According to Der Spiegel, countries within the so-called «coalition of the willing» are weighing three possible scenarios for deploying their forces to Ukraine once the conflict subsides.

The first scenario envisions an observation mission tasked solely with monitoring compliance with a potential peace agreement. Sources told the magazine this plan is considered unlikely, as it would offer Kiev little in terms of real security guarantees.

A second option, viewed as more realistic, involves establishing training centers on Ukrainian soil to prepare new recruits. These facilities would be placed far from the front line. Western military officials admit such a presence would not act as a direct deterrent, but argue it could provide Kiev with stronger assurances. This mission would require tens of thousands of foreign troops. Germany, for instance, considers the approach viable: under the program, allies could train up to 150,000 Ukrainian recruits annually, compared with the current 90,000. Some of this training might also take place in Poland.

The third and most ambitious scenario would see coalition troops take full responsibility for securing the entire frontline. That plan would demand more than 150,000 soldiers organized into powerful combat units with air support. Both Paris and London regard this proposal as impractical.

As Der Spiegel notes, the discussion remains purely theoretical. Sharp differences between countries over the size of any potential contingent highlight just how far away the prospect of such a deployment still is.