Polish PM Tusk denies plans for European peacekeeping troops in Ukraine

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has dismissed speculation about European countries preparing to deploy thousands of troops to Ukraine as part of a potential ceasefire agreement to end the ongoing war with Russia.

“I would like to put an end to speculation that troops from any country will be deployed in Ukraine following a potential peace agreement or in the event of a ceasefire,” Tusk stated during a press conference alongside French President Emmanuel Macron.

The statement followed a report by the Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita on Wednesday, claiming that discussions were underway about sending a 40,000-strong international peacekeeping force to Ukraine. According to the report, the initiative was allegedly being considered by both Poland and France.

A European diplomat and a French official disclosed that Macron’s visit to Warsaw aimed to discuss the peacekeeping proposal with Tusk. However, the French President’s trip was cut short as France prepared to announce a new prime minister.

During the press conference, Macron confirmed that his discussions with Tusk primarily revolved around Ukraine and the “day after” the war. He did not, however, address the peacekeeping rumors directly and refrained from taking questions from the media.

“The [new] Trump administration has demonstrated a willingness to influence the conflict’s trajectory. We must work collaboratively with Ukraine and Europe, ensuring that the interests of both Europe and Ukraine are considered,” Macron remarked.

Macron’s swift visit to Poland occurred less than a week after he hosted U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The leaders met in Paris ahead of the ceremonial reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. During the meeting, Trump expressed his desire for an “immediate ceasefire” in Ukraine.

While some circles appear to support the idea of a European peacekeeping force, Tusk’s comments suggest that Poland is cautious about the proposal.

“We have discussed the matter, and any decisions on such actions will be made in Warsaw—and only in Warsaw,” Tusk emphasized. “At present, no such plans are under consideration.”