Bangladesh’s Potential Role in a Non-NATO Peacekeeping Mission in Ukraine

Introduction

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has prompted international discussions around a possible peacekeeping mission to monitor a demilitarised buffer zone. Reports indicate that countries including Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia are being considered for participation in such a force, as part of a U.S.-backed proposal aimed at de-escalating the conflict.

Bangladesh, with its longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping, faces a complex decision involving political, operational, and economic considerations. This analysis examines Bangladesh’s potential involvement based on verified information available as of September 2025.

Bangladesh’s Established Role in International Peacekeeping

Bangladesh has been one of the world’s largest contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions since its first deployment in 1988. As of early 2025, it remains in the top five troop-contributing countries, with around 6,956 personnel deployed globally. Bangladesh has participated in over 50 UN missions, including in Mali, South Sudan, Lebanon, and the Central African Republic.

The Bangladesh Army’s professionalism and operational experience have been consistently praised by the UN. A 2024 UN report noted:

“Bangladesh continues to provide disciplined, capable peacekeepers, frequently undertaking challenging deployments.”

The country’s policy of neutrality and non-alignment allows it to maintain balanced relations with major global powers, including Russia, the US, and the EU, positioning it uniquely for any potential deployment in Ukraine.

Potential Deployment in Ukraine: Force Size and Mandate

The proposed peacekeeping mission in Ukraine is still under negotiation, with the U.S. reportedly pushing for a demilitarised buffer zone monitored by international forces. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on 5 September 2025, said:

“Thousands of troops could be deployed under international security guarantees.”

The exact force size remains unclear, but estimates from multiple security analysts suggest a requirement between 15,000 to 40,000 troops for effective monitoring and enforcement of the buffer zone.

A report from Reuters (5 September 2025) quoted claims that:

“According to some reports, Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia are among the neutral countries being considered for troop contributions, pending final approvals.”

The force is expected to be non-NATO, to maintain neutrality and facilitate acceptance by Russia, which has expressed opposition to Western military presence on its borders.

Resource and Funding Requirements

Deploying peacekeepers to Ukraine would necessitate substantial military equipment, including armoured personnel carriers, surveillance technology (drones, radars, cameras), medical units, and logistical support.

Financially, past UN peacekeeping operations of similar size have ranged from hundreds of millions to billions of US dollars annually. According to a 2019 UN estimate for a potential peacekeeping mission in the Donbas region:

“Costs could reach up to US$1.5 billion, depending on scale and duration.”

Experts warn that sustaining a larger force—potentially up to 40,000 personnel—could escalate costs to several billion dollars annually.

Bangladesh would likely require international funding support to cover deployment costs, as well as investments in pre-deployment training and equipment upgrades.

Operational Challenges and Risks

1. Security Risks: Intermittent Firing and UXOs

Even if a buffer zone is established, sporadic shelling and intermittent firing remain a grave concern. The presence of unexploded ordnance (UXOs) from previous battles poses a constant threat to peacekeepers and civilians alike. Mines and abandoned explosives could cause casualties and complicate patrolling efforts.

A senior UN peacekeeping official warned in 2024:

“Peacekeepers in Ukraine would operate under significant risk from sporadic violence and unexploded ordnance — requiring specialised training and equipment.”

2. Environmental and Climatic Challenges

Bangladesh’s tropical climate starkly contrasts with Ukraine’s harsh winters, where temperatures often drop below -20°C. The Bangladesh Army would need to be winterised, involving cold-weather gear, insulated vehicles, and acclimatisation training to prevent cold injuries and maintain operational readiness.

Military analysts note:

“Winterisation is essential — failure to prepare troops for Ukraine’s climate could severely degrade mission effectiveness.”

3. Troop Rotation and Logistical Sustainment

Sustaining a long-term deployment far from home requires effective troop rotation to maintain morale and combat effectiveness. Bangladesh will need robust logistics chains for continuous supply of food, ammunition, medical supplies, and spare parts. This also involves coordination with UN or coalition partners to manage rotation schedules and equipment maintenance.

4. Funding Uncertainties

While international funding is expected, peacekeeping missions have historically faced budget shortfalls. Unless there is a guaranteed international trust fund or similar financial mechanism, Bangladesh could face operational funding gaps, risking mission sustainability.

5. Casualties and Political-Societal Pressure

Despite Bangladesh’s strong peacekeeping record, casualties in a volatile theatre like Ukraine would provoke domestic scrutiny. Public opinion and political opposition could mount pressure on the government to withdraw troops, especially if fatalities rise.

A political analyst in Dhaka commented:

“Casualties can rapidly shift public perception. The government must prepare for possible societal backlash if peacekeepers are harmed.”

Political and Diplomatic Considerations

Bangladesh’s neutrality is a cornerstone of its foreign policy. Participation in the Ukraine mission could complicate diplomatic relations, particularly with Russia.

A senior Bangladeshi diplomat, speaking anonymously to Reuters on 5 September 2025, said:

“Bangladesh is cautious and weighing the implications of sending troops to Ukraine, given the complex geopolitical dynamics and our relations with all parties.”

Bangladesh’s government would need to secure parliamentary approval, ensure adherence to UN mandates, and consult closely with all stakeholders before committing troops.

Potential Benefits for Bangladesh

1. Lucrative Foreign Exchange Earnings

Participation in such a large-scale peacekeeping mission offers Bangladesh an opportunity to earn substantial foreign exchange. With UN peacekeeping payouts reportedly amounting to over $1 billion annually in recent years, this mission could compensate for declining earnings from traditional UN deployments, which have been shrinking due to fewer peacekeeping operations worldwide.

2. Modernisation of Armed Forces

Involvement in a Western-supported peacekeeping operation could unlock access to modern defence funding and technology. Experts suggest that Bangladesh’s armed forces might gain access to more advanced Western-supplied equipment and training, accelerating the modernisation of its military capabilities.

3. Exposure to International Politics and Defence Industry Opportunities

A direct role in such a high-profile mission would increase Bangladesh’s geopolitical visibility and influence. This exposure could open doors for Bangladeshi defence and related industries to supply equipment and services, fostering domestic industrial growth.

4. Strengthening Ties with the United States

Closer military cooperation and participation in a US-backed mission could strengthen bilateral relations. Analysts speculate that this could ease some economic pressures, including a potential reduction or lifting of tariffs imposed by previous US administrations, such as the Trump-era tariffs that impacted Bangladeshi exports.

Strategic and Regional Implications

Bangladesh’s participation in the Ukraine mission could alter South Asia’s geopolitical dynamics. By aligning closer with Western-backed initiatives, Bangladesh might:

• Enhance its strategic relevance beyond traditional regional spheres.
• Gain leverage in negotiating defence and trade agreements.
• Balance its diplomatic relations between Russia and the West more delicately.
• Potentially influence regional security discussions through increased engagement with NATO partner countries.

However, this could also prompt cautious responses from neighbouring powers, notably China and India, who closely monitor Bangladesh’s foreign policy shifts.

Conclusion

Bangladesh’s experience and capacity in peacekeeping make it a viable candidate for participation in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. However, the scale of the mission, financial commitments, operational challenges including intermittent violence and extreme climate, diplomatic sensitivities, and political risks present significant challenges.

At the same time, the mission offers significant potential benefits — from foreign exchange earnings and military modernisation to increased international stature and improved economic relations with the West.

As of September 2025, no formal agreement has been signed, and all plans remain provisional. Bangladesh’s decision will hinge on balancing these complex factors carefully.

Annex A: Bangladesh Armed Forces: Peacekeeping Deployments

Notes:

• Bangladesh has participated in over 60 UN peacekeeping missions across 43 countries, with approximately 178,743 personnel deployed.
• Information on non-UN peacekeeping deployments is limited and not comprehensively documented in available sources.

References

• Reuters, “Zelenskiy says thousands of troops could be deployed to Ukraine under security guarantees,” 5 September 2025.
• Charter97, “Bangladesh agrees to send troops to Ukraine peacekeeping mission,” 5 September 2025.
• United Nations Peacekeeping Annual Report, 2024.
• UNIAN, “UN peacekeeping mission in Donbas could cost up to 1.5 bln USD,” 2019.
• Reuters, “Media reveal plan for Ukraine buffer zone with troops from Bangladesh and others,” 5 September 2025.