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The idea initially proposed by Putin, clashes with Kiev's rejection and the suspicion of European capitals...
US President Donald Trump has suggested deploying Chinese troops as peacekeepers in Ukraine after the war ends, an idea previously raised by Vladimir Putin, according to four sources briefed on the discussions.
At a White House meeting with European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week, Trump raised the possibility of Beijing sending forces to monitor a neutral zone along the 1,300-kilometer front line. A senior Trump administration official denied that, saying “there was never any discussion of Chinese peacekeepers.”
European capitals and Zelensky himself have opposed the idea, viewing Beijing as a critical supporter of Russian military efforts. Ukraine sees it as a step that would undermine its national security.
Since 2022, when the first talks between Moscow and Kiev began in Istanbul, Russia has suggested that China be included in the security guarantees for Ukraine. According to the Russian proposal, the guarantor countries – the US, Britain, France, China and Russia – would be involved in the event of a new attack on Ukraine. But this model is unacceptable to Kiev, as it gives Moscow a veto over any military response.
Zelensky has made it clear that Beijing cannot be a guarantor of peace in Ukraine, recalling that China did nothing to stop the war, has helped Russia with drone sales and, according to Ukrainian intelligence, has allowed the recruitment of its citizens to fight on the front. He also accuses China of supplying Moscow with weapons and military components.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has shown willingness for Turkey to play a role in a post-war peacekeeping mission. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan told Zelensky on Thursday that Ankara is ready to host any round of high-level talks between the sides and contribute to Ukraine's security. Turkey, as a NATO member, has offered to play an active role in a future mission, particularly in the Black Sea, something that has been welcomed by several European capitals.
While discussions about a ceasefire and security guarantees continue, it remains clear that the idea of Chinese troops is unlikely to be accepted by Kiev or its allies. But Turkey's involvement is seen as the most realistic option in a post-war scenario. / Adapted from the Financial Times
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