BRUSSELS, March 26. /TASS/. With Russia and the United States breathing down its neck, Europe is moving away from the idea of sending troops to Ukraine to guarantee its security, and is now considering more "sensible" options, Reuters news agency reported quoting sources.

"They are taking a step back from ground troops and trying to re-dimension what they were doing to something that could be more sensible," said one European diplomat.

Said another: "When Ukraine was in a better position, the idea of sending troops appealed. But now, with the situation on the ground and the U.S administration as it is, it's not very sexy."

In addition to Kiev's position and Washington's stance, the initiative to send European troops is hampered by fierce opposition from Russia and logistical constraints, the sources said.

A senior European defense official said that while the focus was shifting away from the idea of European boots on the ground "it doesn’t mean individual countries won’t have soldiers deployed in Ukraine to provide training and other support." A draft document for the upcoming leaders’ summit on March 27 in Paris seen by Reuters refers to a possible future reassurance force in Ukraine "as part of a future peace settlement and with support of the United States."

On troops deployment in Ukraine

On March 20, a meeting of military leaders from countries of the "coalition of the willing" was held in London, where the operational details of sending troops to Ukraine after the conflict is resolved were discussed. It was attended by representatives of about 30 Western countries. On the same day, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the kingdom was developing plans for military land, sea and air operations in Ukraine to ensure compliance with the peace deal.

Earlier, British media reported that London and Paris hope to form a "peacekeeping corps" numbering from 10,000 to 30,000 troops, allegedly to ensure a peace agreement on Ukraine. At the same time, it was noted that as part of the settlement, British Air Force fighters can patrol the airspace of Ukraine, taking off from Poland.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on March 12 that the presence of NATO troops under any flag and in any capacity on Ukrainian soil is a threat to Russia. According to him, Moscow will not accept this under any circumstances.