According to “Mercedes”* principle

The New Europe Center presents a new analytical infographic – its vision of the key parameters for a future international military mission in Ukraine. The mission should become a deterrence force – military capable and armed in order to discourage Putin’s desire to start a new round of aggression. This IS NOT a peacekeeping contingent: it is not a neutral force, but a mission 100% on the side of Ukraine.

The mission should be structured, so to speak, on the “Mercedes” principle – with a presence on land, at sea, and in the air. As a reminder, the *Mercedes-Benz logo is a three-pointed star symbolizing the natural elements – air, sea and land – demonstrating the versatility of the company’s engines that were used in aviation, on sea vessels and vehicles.

The three-dimensional structure of the mission:

• Land component: combat-ready units, training missions, regular military exercises
• Sky shield: air defense assets and fourth-generation fighter jets patrols
• Maritime component: multinational sea patrols, special demining vessels, and secure navigation support

Participating countries:

Leading the mission—France and the United Kingdom. Other experienced NATO members and allied countries (e.g., Australia) can join. Every country of “Coalition of the Resolute” can make its contribution, not necessarily in the form of troops.

Participation by countries that are satellites of the Russian Federation is excluded.

Geography of the mission

The contingent should be positioned near potential threat zones from Russia.

Lviv and Chernivtsi are to be used only as entry points.

U.S. support

Paris and London as leaders should continue negotiations with Washington about US potential involvement, but they should be ready to start without the United States.

Key principles:

• The foundation of deterrence – Armed Forces of Ukraine! Military mission is complementary
• The number of troops could change on different stages, but it should allow to carry out the tasks of deterrence mission
• The mission should start at the stage of temporary ceasefire, not after the settlement
• Preserving the principle of ambiguity for Russia regarding the deployment and mandate

The parameters of an effective foreign military mission in Ukraine were first outlined by Alyona Getmanchuk, Director of the New Europe Center, in her article for Ukrainska Pravda: https://cutt.ly/hrgtnDxn

Experts from the New Europe Center analyzed several international military missions and prepared infographic materials that could contribute to discussions about the mandate of a foreign contingent in Ukraine: https://cutt.ly/qrszFw6g

This material was prepared with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Foundation.