Canada studies how to join Ukraine peacekeeping force — including end to training mission in country
A detailed planning for a potential “coalition of the willing” peacekeeping mission to Ukraine is expected to kick off this week among Western military commanders, according to Lt.-Gen. Steve Boivin, who is in charge of overseas and domestic operations for Canada. The idea of a peacekeeping force has been met with skepticism internationally as Ukraine and Russia engage in indirect ceasefire negotiations.
Boivin mentioned that Canada may be stretched to contribute troops to the mission, but it could be possible if the troops currently training Ukrainian forces are re-purposed for peacekeeping duties. A preliminary meeting of senior military commanders from 28 nations that have expressed interest in contributing to the force was held last week in the United Kingdom, with Boivin participating in the discussions.
Indirect ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine began in Saudi Arabia on Monday, mediated by the United States. Both countries have tentatively agreed to a one-month halt on strikes targeting energy infrastructure, following discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, there is uncertainty regarding the implementation of the ceasefire.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had proposed a peacekeeping force comprising several NATO countries, including Canada. Defense Minister Bill Blair had previously stated that Canada was prepared to contribute troops in the event of a ceasefire. Boivin emphasized that detailed planning is contingent on various assumptions and is aimed at providing options to decision-makers.
Despite the efforts to form a peacekeeping force, Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, dismissed Starmer’s proposal as mere “posture and pose.” Additionally, British military commanders anonymously expressed doubts about meeting the White House’s April 20 deadline for completing detailed planning for the mission.
Canada faces challenges in contributing troops due to ongoing issues such as troop shortages resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and a sexual misconduct crisis affecting senior commanders. However, one option under consideration is re-tasking the troops currently training Ukrainian forces for the peacekeeping mission.
The peacekeeping force’s size and composition, as well as the level of armament required, are being assessed by allied military planners. Given the significant presence of Russian troops in and around Ukraine, estimates suggest that the force may need to be substantial. The potential size of the force could range from a few thousand soldiers to as many as 100,000, with the need for additional air, naval, and space assets to counter potential Russian threats.
In conclusion, the formation of a peacekeeping force in Ukraine presents significant challenges, including the need for U.S. backing and support. The participation of European nations in a coalition force may generate goodwill from the White House, potentially leading to additional support for the mission. American infrastructure support, particularly in air defense systems, is deemed essential for securing Ukraine’s security in the future.
