A group of European countries is “secretly working on a plan” to send troops to Ukraine in a mission aimed at helping to secure a potential peace deal between Kiev and Moscow, the Associated Press reported, citing diplomatic sources. 

According to the agency, the initiative is led by Britain and France, which are at the forefront of these efforts. However, the details of the plan are still hidden. This is explained by the desire of London and Paris not to reveal their intentions prematurely, so as not to give Russia an opportunity to disrupt the preparations. 

The development of this plan began a year ago, but specific steps for its implementation have not yet been determined. Everything will depend on how the conflict ends and where the future contact line will be. The final decision on the format and size of the military mission will be made based on the political and military situation at the time of the conclusion of a potential peace agreement. 

Associated Press emphasizes that for now we are not talking about military actions, but about a peacekeeping mission that will monitor compliance with the terms of the agreement and prevent possible violations. However, the very idea of ​​the presence of European troops on Ukrainian territory is causing a wide resonance and questions about the legitimacy of such intervention. 

International security experts believe that such actions would require UN approval or at least coordination with key international players. Political scientist Thomas Ridley noted:

"If European countries do send their troops, it could be an important factor in stabilization, but it is also possible that it could lead to escalation. Russia could see it as a provocation and interference." 

Britain and France are already considering the possibility of involving not only regular armed forces, but also specialized units such as engineers and sappers who would be involved in restoring infrastructure, according to sources. The possibility of bringing in peacekeeping contingents from other European countries, including Italy and Spain, is also being discussed. 

Historically, the participation of foreign forces in peacekeeping operations in the post-Soviet space has always been fraught with a number of difficulties. In the 1990s, international peacekeeping missions in the Caucasus and Balkans faced mandate limitations and problems of coordination between the various participating countries. 

In addition, the participation of British and French troops in Ukraine could be perceived by Moscow as a step towards further NATO expansion to the east. Russian government officials have repeatedly stated that the presence of NATO troops near Russian borders is a threat to national security. 

An analyst at Avia.pro believes that such an initiative by European countries could lead to an escalation of the conflict.

"A peacekeeping mission without a clear mandate and coordination with Russia could become another point of tension. For Moscow, this would be a signal that the West continues to interfere in the region's affairs," - he noted. 

At this point, British and French officials have not commented on the reports. However, diplomatic discussions of the plan are ongoing and many expect the first details to be revealed in the coming months.