Zelensky hails progress on EU security force for Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday welcomed what he described as “tangible progress” and “initial details” regarding the possible deployment of a European security contingent in Ukraine, following a visit to Kyiv by the French and British chiefs of defense a day earlier, AFP reports.
“We’re seeing tangible progress and initial details on how a partner security contingent could be deployed,” President Zelensky said, without offering further specifics.
France and the United Kingdom have proposed deploying a multinational European force in Ukraine as a “reassurance force,” intended to prevent a renewed outbreak of hostilities once a ceasefire is in place.
In coordination with all relevant partners, discussions are ongoing on providing “long-term support” to Ukraine’s armed forces, “which are and will remain on the front line of defense” against Russian aggression, French President Emmanuel Macron stated on the social media platform X, following a phone call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Zelensky also spoke of a potential reassurance force positioned behind the front line to deter any renewed Russian attacks. President Macron acknowledged in March that the proposal does not have unanimous support among European allies.
On Saturday, French Chief of Defense Staff Thierry Burkhard said he had discussed with his British counterpart the need to strengthen Ukraine’s military and reviewed “reassurance options” that could be offered after a ceasefire is implemented, according to Agerpres.
During their visit, the two military chiefs held meetings with Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and President Zelensky.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
