Kyiv – NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced on , that allied troops will be deployed to Ukraine “instantly” following the signing of a peace agreement with Russia. The commitment, delivered during a speech to Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, signals a significant shift in the alliance’s posture towards the conflict and a pre-planned framework for bolstering Ukraine’s security in the aftermath of hostilities.
Rutte stated that the forces would comprise ground, air, and naval components drawn from a “coalition of the willing” within NATO. “As soon as a peace deal is signed, there will instantly appear armed forces, planes in the sky, and maritime support from those in NATO who have agreed,” he said, according to reports. The precise composition of this coalition and the scale of the deployment remain contingent on the terms of any eventual peace agreement.
The announcement comes as Ukraine continues to face a sustained military offensive from Russia. On , Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack targeting Kyiv and multiple regions across Ukraine, striking energy infrastructure and residential areas. This latest escalation underscores the fragility of the situation and the urgency of diplomatic efforts, even as peace talks are reportedly underway, mediated by the United States.
Rutte’s visit to Kyiv and his address to the Verkhovna Rada are intended to demonstrate NATO’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He reassured Ukrainian lawmakers that the alliance’s focus on Ukraine’s security would not diminish despite other global challenges. “Ukraine has been and remains at the centre of our security thoughts, and we are ready to provide rapid and consistent support,” Rutte emphasized.
The commitment to deploy troops after a peace agreement represents a significant evolution in NATO’s strategy. Previously, the alliance has focused on providing Ukraine with military equipment, training, and intelligence support, but has avoided direct military intervention within Ukraine itself. This new stance suggests a willingness to provide a more robust security guarantee to Ukraine, aimed at deterring future Russian aggression.
According to Rutte, NATO members have already provided substantial military aid to Ukraine, supplying 75% of all missiles and 90% of the air defence systems used by Ukrainian forces. This existing level of support demonstrates the alliance’s commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s defensive capabilities in the present conflict.
The formation of the “coalition of the willing” dates back to last summer, with approximately ten countries initially expressing readiness to contribute troops to Ukraine following a cessation of hostilities. A meeting of this coalition took place in France on , resulting in the signing of the Paris Declaration, which outlined “Reliable Security Assurances for a Lasting and Durable Peace in Ukraine.” Lithuania has publicly confirmed its willingness to deploy several hundred troops to Ukraine once peace is established, offering ground forces, air defence capabilities, and maritime support.
However, reaching a lasting peace agreement will require “difficult decisions” from all parties involved, Rutte acknowledged. He stressed the importance of ensuring that any agreement is robust and effective, avoiding the pitfalls of previous agreements such as the Minsk accords or the Budapest Memorandum, which ultimately failed to prevent further conflict. Ukraine, he indicated, must be confident that any peace will be durable and that the commitments made will be honoured.
The announcement of potential troop deployments has prompted discussion about the logistical and strategic implications of such a move. The nature of the support – whether it would involve a full-scale military presence or a more limited peacekeeping operation – remains unclear. The deployment would also likely require significant coordination with the Ukrainian military and careful consideration of the potential risks and challenges.
While the details of the planned deployment remain to be finalized, Rutte’s statement signals a clear intention by NATO to play a more active role in securing Ukraine’s future. The commitment to deploy troops “instantly” after a peace agreement is signed is designed to provide Ukraine with a credible deterrent against renewed aggression and to help stabilize the country in the aftermath of the conflict. The move also underscores the growing recognition within NATO that Ukraine’s security is inextricably linked to the security of the wider Euro-Atlantic region.
