China may join peacekeeping forces in Ukraine

China may be considering joining the "coalition of the willing," a group of Western countries that are discussing sending peacekeeping forces to Ukraine to help broker a possible peace deal between Kiev and Moscow.

China's diplomatic moves

According to the German newspaper Die Welt, Chinese diplomats in Brussels have asked European Union officials about the possibility of Chinese troops joining a peacekeeping force in Ukraine. EU diplomats familiar with the discussions told the publication.

According to the publication's sources, China's participation in such a coalition could encourage Russia to agree to deploy peacekeeping forces in Ukraine. Because earlier Moscow categorically rejected the proposal to deploy foreign troops in Ukraine, even if there is a ceasefire.

US and European position

Washington may support the participation of Chinese troops in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. As The Economist reported in February, US officials believe that the peacekeeping contingent in Ukraine should include not only European countries, but also Chinese and Brazilian troops.

Great Britain and France are among the countries leading the "coalition of the willing", and they expect about 30 countries to participate in this initiative. Ultimately, it is not yet clear how many countries will join this coalition and what tasks they will perform. The British government has authorized the sending of its fighter jets to protect Ukrainian airspace.

France and UN peacekeeping forces

According to The Telegraph, French President Emmanuel Macron is studying the possibility of sending a UN peacekeeping force to Ukraine, in addition to sending a European peacekeeping force. He discussed the issue with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the Council of Europe summit on March 20.

However, the UN Security Council must approve the deployment of a peacekeeping force. Russia and the United States are likely to oppose this, first and foremost.

Next steps for the Coalition of the Willing

In recent weeks, British and French officials have held several meetings on the issue of sending peacekeeping forces to Ukraine. French President Macron said that the next summit of the "Coalition of the Willing" will be held in Paris on March 27. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to attend it.

The issue of China joining the peacekeeping force in Ukraine is being seriously discussed. This may affect the peace talks between Moscow and Kiev. The United States, Great Britain and France support this initiative, but Russia and the United States may have different positions on this issue at the UN Security Council meeting. Important decisions on this issue are expected to be made at the summit in Paris on March 27. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”