Canada Ready to Join Ukraine Peacekeeping Mission, but Wants US Security Guarantees
Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair said that Canada is ready to join a potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, but only if the United States offers security guarantees. This was announced on March 5 during a defense conference in Ottawa.
Blair stated that for a coalition of peacekeepers to be effective, it will require support from the US with security assurances. This echoes the comments made by other Western leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has urged Washington to provide a “backstop” for a European-led peacekeeping force.
The US has welcomed the idea of European peacekeeping troops monitoring a potential ceasefire in Ukraine but has not offered concrete security guarantees. Other non-European countries, such as Turkey and Australia, have also signaled their willingness to join a future peacekeeping coalition in Ukraine.
However, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has consistently stated that his country will not accept Western troops on the ground in Ukraine. This stance is likely to make it difficult for any peacekeeping mission to be successful without US security guarantees.
Canada’s Defense Minister Bill Blair emphasized that Canada is willing to contribute to a peacekeeping force, but only if there are discussions about security guarantees for Ukraine and the forces serving there. He stated, “We’ve strongly indicated we’re willing to be a part of that, but I still believe it is going to require security guarantees from the United States.”
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