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05 Apr 2025 : A case for the Global South in securing Ukraine peace

 Editorial 1: A case for the Global South in securing Ukraine peace

Context

The war in Ukraine gives the Global South a chance to show it can be fair and trusted in helping bring peace and stability to the world.

 

Introduction

As the destructive war in Ukraine moves toward a fragile ceasefire, helped by maritime and energy truces made in Riyadh, a big question remains: who will make sure peace is kept? There is some hope for peace, as both sides seem tired of the long and painful fight. A recent Black Sea deal came after talks started by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who promised to end the war quickly, now in its fourth year.

  • Western leaders like France's Macron and Britain's Starmer have suggested a European-led peacekeeping force.
  • But this idea faces many problems and contradictions.
  • Russia has clearly said it will not accept troops from NATO countries — and most European nations are in NATO.
  • A force seen as a threat (casus belli) would not help peace and is not a real option.
  • It’s time for the Global South — countries from Africa, Asia, and Latin America — to take the lead.
  • A UN-backed peace mission led by the Global South would bring neutrality and trust.
  • It would also show that the Global South is becoming a key player in global peace and stability.

 

The perils of a European peacekeeping force

Key Parameters

  

Europe’s Interest

Europe wants to lead peacekeeping in Ukraine because it is close to the conflict and has strategic interests in the region.

UK’s Stand

British PM Keir Starmer supports a "coalition of the willing" and has offered British troops for post-war peacekeeping.

Russia’s Opposition

Russia strongly opposes a European-led force, calling it a NATO Trojan horse trying to expand NATO’s influence in Ukraine.

Risk of Conflict

A European force could increase tensions and may even spark more conflict instead of promoting peace.

Lavrov’s Warning

Russian FM Sergei Lavrov said such a move would "fuel the conflict" and block peace efforts.

Public Opinion in Europe

Most Europeans do not support sending troops. When Macron suggested it, most French citizens opposed the idea.

Logistical Challenges

Even if approved, Europe can't sustain the mission easily without U.S. support, which is uncertain under Trump.

Overall Risk

A NATO-led or European-led mission is seen as biased and dangerous, making it a risky and unsuitable option for peace.

 

 

Risks of NATO-Led Peacekeeping

  • NATO troops near Russian forces, even for peacekeeping, could trigger a wider war.
  • The world cannot afford such a risk.
  • A better option is a peacekeeping force led by the Global South.

 

Why the Global South is Better Positioned

Characteristic

Details

Neutrality

Global South countries (Africa, Asia, Latin America) have stayed neutral in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Moral Trust

PM Modi met both Putin and Zelenskyy, showing balanced diplomacy.

Trust Factor

These countries are more likely to be trusted by both sides (Kyiv & Moscow).

Fairness

A mission led by them would bring a sense of fairness and reduce tensions.

 

Proven Peacekeeping Experience of Global South

  • African Union (AU) has handled peace missions in Sudan, Somalia, CAR, etc.
  • BRICS nations like India, Brazil, South Africa, and Indonesia have strong UN experience.
  • Chile offers special skills like demining, useful for Ukraine’s rebuilding.

 

What’s Needed for a Successful Mission

Requirement

  

Clear Ceasefire

A strong and agreed-upon ceasefire is essential.

Marked Front Line

A clear boundary needs to be negotiated.

Logistical & Financial Support

Help from EU and Western countries is important.

UN Approval

UN Security Council must authorise it, with support from both Russia and Ukraine.

No NATO Troops

Keeping NATO out would ease Russian fears and maintain neutrality.

Female Peacekeepers

Including women peacekeepers (as India did in Liberia) builds trust and safety in communities.

 

 

India’s Unique Role in Peacekeeping

India’s Contribution

Details

Experience

Over 2,90,000 Indian peacekeepers in 50+ UN missions.

Current Deployments

5,000+ Indian troops in 9 out of 11 active missions.

Historic First

First to send an all-women peacekeeping team (Liberia, 2007).

Sacrifices

160+ Indian peacekeepers have died — most among all countries.

Past Leadership

Led UN mission in Yugoslavia (1992) at UN’s request.

 

 

Why India Should Lead

  • India is neutral and maintains good relations with Russia, the West, and Ukraine.
  • India should step up and lead the peacekeeping mission with confidence.
  • China is already being more active, appointing a special envoy and pushing for diplomacy.
  • It's time for India to match or exceed this role.

 

The broader imperative

  • A UN-led peacekeeping mission in Ukraine is more than just a step toward stability in Eastern Europe.
  • It’s a chance for the Global South to take the lead in global diplomacy.
  • For years, the Global South has been ignored or sidelined in major world decisions.
  • Leading the Ukraine mission would show that the Global South is ready to shape global affairs, not just watch from the sidelines.

 

Why the Ukraine Mission Matters for the Global South

Reason

  

Global Role

Allows the Global South to become a leader, not just a follower.

Past Status

Has often been ignored in global decisions dominated by Western powers.

Present Opportunity

Leading the Ukraine mission would be a powerful statement of its growing influence.

Future Impact

Marks a shift in world order, where more voices shape peace and diplomacy.

 

Conclusion

Peace in Ukraine should be led by fair and trusted countries, not by those with biased interests. The Global South has a chance to lead with a strong, inclusive peace plan. A UN-led mission would help restore its global role, and India’s active role would strengthen its image as a rising global power.