European voters oppose sending peacekeepers to Ukraine

The plan to send European peacekeepers to Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement between Kiev and Moscow is facing one of the main skeptics: the European public, writes The Wall Street Journal, quoted by Focus.

As the publication notes, many voters oppose any deployment of troops that could put them at risk. Such sentiments are most prevalent in Eastern European countries that do not want to withdraw forces from their borders, as well as in Italy and Germany, due to the legacy of World War II.

A survey conducted in Germany last week by the Insa company showed that 56% of respondents were against German participation, which is more than in the spring.

"I fear that the Bundeswehr may be unable to cope with such a task, leaving us without protection at home“, said one of the respondents, 28-year-old Leonard Wolters.

In France, one of the main supporters of a future peacekeeping mission, public support depends on the conclusion of a final peace agreement, not on a ceasefire. A survey conducted in March by Elabe showed that 67% of respondents support sending French troops if Kiev and Moscow reach a peace agreement. Without such an agreement, 68% of respondents are against it.

The participation of Britain also remains questionable. According to surveys, most Britons welcome the participation of their military in any peace talks, but do not want to provoke a direct confrontation with Russia.

Poland has also set a red line for sending troops to Ukraine. Warsaw claims that its troops could provoke an escalation of the conflict, which could spread to Polish territory.

Meanwhile, in a survey conducted by United Surveys in March this year, 58.5% of respondents are categorically against sending troops to Ukraine, and 28% say that Poland "probably should not" to send troops to the neighboring country.

At the same time, European officials say it is difficult to convince the public of the need for any troop deployment without a clear statement from the United States that European troops will receive support. Despite the flurry of diplomatic activity in recent weeks, it is still unclear what the United States is prepared to provide.

However, many European leaders have said that the deployment of troops to Ukraine is vital to Europe's security, warning that Russia would launch an offensive against other regions of Europe if Kiev falls. The ground operations also demonstrate Europe's commitment to defending Ukraine as Washington considers what security guarantees to provide.