UN Peacekeepers to Be Deployed in Ukraine: Statement from the UN

The participation of UN peacekeeping forces could become part of a future resolution to the war in Ukraine, believes the newly elected President of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock. "If it comes to a peace agreement, it should be protected as well as possible. And if the majority of member states say that blue helmets are needed for that, then this could ensure peace for a long time," she stated in an interview with Bild am Sonntag, published today.

Baerbock emphasized that negotiations must begin first. Ukraine's allies have been discussing options for a possible ceasefire or the establishment of a peace treaty for several months, but Russia has yet to show willingness to engage in dialogue.

Since February 2022, Ukraine has been defending itself against a large-scale military invasion by Russia. Kyiv insists that in the event of a ceasefire or cessation of hostilities, it will need clear security guarantees. Military experts and scholars suggest that this will require hundreds of thousands of soldiers, for example, from European allies. Alternatively, the deployment of UN blue helmet missions is being considered.

Last week, Annalena Baerbock officially assumed the presidency of the UN General Assembly. This position primarily carries a ceremonial significance, unlike the roles of UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of expanding the war. This accusation is based on the violation of airspace by Russian drones over Poland and Romania. He has once again called for sanctions and has supported the idea of imposing tariffs on trade with Russia by the United States.