Rinkēvičs outlines conditions for Latvia to deploy peacekeepers to Ukraine

LSM reported the information.

"Right now, we are ready to discuss any proposal, but with conditions before making a decision," Rinkēvičs emphasized.

He believes that the primary concern is understanding how Latvia’s security and defense capabilities would be enhanced if troops were sent to Ukraine. Additionally, it is crucial to determine the conditions under which the deployment would take place.

"If there are no guarantees under Article 5 (NATO) or something equivalent, it will put our soldiers at risk. Even if someone attacks Ukrainian soldiers, we will have to come to their aid, and we won’t receive enough support — that’s a matter for discussion," explained the Latvian leader.

He also noted that he has a feeling "that we are now in some theoretical situation."

"If we even enter into a discussion about a peace agreement being reached, then these issues will become relevant… These two conditions I mentioned are necessary for this issue to even be considered," Rinkēvičs stressed.

The Latvian President emphasized that if a peace agreement to end the full-scale war in Ukraine involves the participation of international forces, the decision on the involvement of Latvian peacekeepers will be made by the National Security Council and the country's Cabinet of Ministers. The final decision will rest with the Saeima.

Peacekeeping forces in Ukraine

At the end of January, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that at least 200,000 peacekeepers would be needed to secure Ukraine after the cessation of hostilities. Later, the president clarified that among the peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, there should be U.S. military personnel.

On February 11, the NYT reported that there are no 200,000 peacekeepers in Europe who could be sent to Ukraine. This is almost three times the size of the entire British army. On the same day, Zelenskyy said that the mission would work if 100,000 to 150,000 European troops were deployed.

According to AP, a group of European countries is secretly developing a plan to send troops to Ukraine. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov had previously confirmed that partners are already working on the idea of a peacekeeping mission.

On February 17, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that he is ready to deploy peacekeeping troops to Ukraine.

Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard stated that the country does not rule out sending troops to Ukraine as part of a post-war peacekeeping mission.