According to a joint declaration issued at a summit in Berlin, the mission—led by European nations and supported by the United States—would help rebuild Ukraine’s armed forces, bolster air defense, and ensure maritime security, including operations on Ukrainian territory.
French President Emmanuel Macron first floated the idea in early 2024, suggesting that Western troops could be deployed following a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia.
Since then, a more defined proposal for peacekeeping or stabilization forces has taken shape. The UK has also expressed willingness to contribute troops.
Poland, however, has consistently ruled out sending soldiers to Ukraine. “Poland will not send troops to Ukraine, even after the war ends,” Prime Minister Donald Tusk reiterated in September
Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has also repeatedly emphasized Poland’s focus on logistics and NATO’s eastern flank.
Public opinion in Poland reflects that stance.
A December 5 poll by the UK-based More in Common foundation found 55% of Poles oppose sending peacekeepers to Ukraine, while only 31% support it.
By contrast, 55% of Britons and 49% of Americans back the idea. Support is more divided in France and Germany.
A separate poll published December 6 by SW Research for Rzeczpospolita showed nearly 60% of Poles oppose deploying Polish troops to Ukraine, with only 22% in favor.
The Berlin declaration was signed by the leaders of Poland, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and top EU officials. The initiative remains open for other countries to join.
(jh)
Source: PAP