News
European Leaders Weigh Deployment of Troops to Ukraine in Future Peace Plan
A group of European nations, led by the United Kingdom and France, has been quietly discussing a potential military deployment to Ukraine to help enforce any future peace agreement with Russia. The discussions have taken on a new sense of urgency amid fears that a future U.S. administration under Donald Trump could bypass European allies and strike a unilateral deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
UK and France at the Forefront
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed on Thursday that the UK would play a role in any post-war security framework for Ukraine but declined to provide specifics.
“I won’t get into the particular capabilities, but I do accept that if there is peace, then there needs to be some sort of security guarantee for Ukraine,” Starmer said.
The concept of European troops in Ukraine first gained traction in early 2024 when French President Emmanuel Macron refused to rule out deploying forces on the ground. His stance initially met strong opposition from Germany and Poland, but recent discussions indicate a shift in attitudes.
Behind-the-Scenes Talks
The first high-level talks on the idea took place in December 2024, at a private meeting at NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s residence in Brussels. Attendees included leaders and ministers from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Denmark, and the Netherlands, along with top EU officials.
The plan is still in early stages, and several obstacles remain. Italy’s constitution limits its ability to send troops abroad, while the Dutch and German governments would require parliamentary approval before committing to a deployment. Poland, meanwhile, remains cautious due to historical tensions with Ukraine.
Challenges and Possible Deployment Size
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made clear that he envisions a force of 100,000 to 150,000 troops securing a post-war peace, while media reports suggest a smaller 30,000- to 40,000-strong European contingent. No final figure has been confirmed by European officials.
Estonia’s Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur emphasized that any deployment would depend on the conditions of a peace agreement. If Russian and Ukrainian forces agree to draw down troop levels, European forces could more easily maintain stability. However, if active fighting continues, the situation would become far more complex.
Ukraine’s Position and Future Alliances
During the Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy argued that Ukraine’s military experience could play a pivotal role in Europe’s future security. He proposed the formation of a new military alliance, calling for an “Armed Forces of Europe” to counter Russia.
“Without the Ukrainian army, European armies will not be enough to stop Russia. This is the reality,” Zelenskyy stated.
However, he acknowledged that Ukraine lacks sufficient military equipment, including fighter jets and air defense systems.
“If we had 150 to 160 F-16 fighter jets and over 25 Patriot missile systems, why would we need U.S. or European troops?” he questioned.
Implications for NATO and the EU
Zelenskyy has insisted that if Ukraine is not granted NATO membership, an alternative security structure must be created—potentially involving European troops on the ground. He also warned that Russia could attack European NATO states from Belarus as soon as this year, increasing the urgency for Europe to develop a unified military response.
As discussions continue, European leaders must decide whether they are willing and able to send troops to Ukraine’s front lines—and what risks such a move could pose for relations with Russia.
News
Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
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Russia Launches Massive Overnight Barrage on Ukraine as Peace Talks With U.S. Continue
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