Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelenskyy said he discussed the “first details” of a “coalition of the willing” troop deployment with leaders of the British and French armed forces in Kyiv on Saturday.
Paris and London are leading the grouping of like-minded countries who may send peacekeepers to enforce a future ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
Ukrainian, British, and French military officials on Saturday discussed the preparations needed to be able to quickly deploy troops if the fighting temporarily stops.
A statement from the president’s office said “tangible progress” had been made at the meeting with France’s General Thierry Burkhard and the UK’s Admiral Sir Tony Radakin.
The first details of how troops could be deployed were also raised, Zelenskyy said.
“We are discussing presence on land, in the air, and at sea, as well as air defense. And some other sensitive matters,” he added.
“I believe we will be meeting weekly – not at my level, but at the level of our military. Specific locations are being discussed separately.”
Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s partners have a “strong understanding” of what the country needs and that he was “grateful” for the UK and France’s leadership.
The two countries have spearheaded efforts to offer a peacekeeping plan for Ukraine after U.S. President Donald Trump began talks to press for a peace deal with Russia.
More than 30 countries are expected to be involved in the so-called ‘coalition of the willing’ to support Ukraine, a spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said last month.
Ukrainian, British, and French military officials on Saturday discussed the preparations needed to be able to quickly deploy troops if the fighting temporarily stops.
A statement from the president’s office said “tangible progress” had been made at the meeting with France’s General Thierry Burkhard and the UK’s Admiral Sir Tony Radakin.
The first details of how troops could be deployed were also raised, Zelenskyy said.
“We are discussing presence on land, in the air, and at sea, as well as air defense. And some other sensitive matters,” he added.
“I believe we will be meeting weekly – not at my level, but at the level of our military. Specific locations are being discussed separately.”
Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s partners have a “strong understanding” of what the country needs and that he was “grateful” for the UK and France’s leadership.
The two countries have spearheaded efforts to offer a peacekeeping plan for Ukraine after U.S. President Donald Trump began talks to press for a peace deal with Russia.
More than 30 countries are expected to be involved in the so-called ‘coalition of the willing’ to support Ukraine, a spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said last month.
