General Warns Europe Cannot Sustain Ukraine Peacekeeping Force

General Lord Richards, a former head of the British armed forces, has warned that European nations would need to deploy between 100,000 to 200,000 troops to maintain peace in Ukraine, a feat he claims none can currently achieve. He emphasized that any deployed forces would face significant challenges from Russia, which is likely to test their capabilities. Richards criticized the notion of sending a minimal peacekeeping presence, arguing for a substantial military commitment and urging the UK to enhance support for Ukrainian self-defense. This comes amidst discussions between US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron about potential European peacekeeping forces, with Trump indicating that this could be part of a broader security guarantee involving the US. However, experts caution about the clarity and feasibility of such arrangements, noting that American involvement is crucial for effective deterrence against Russia. Sir Keir Starmer has expressed willingness to send British troops if a peace deal is reached, though Richards remains skeptical of Europe's current military capacity to handle such a responsibility.