a3f.in.ua

"What will they do in case of aggression?": Zelensky on the idea of European peacekeepers.

"What will they do in case of aggression?": Zelensky on the idea of European peacekeepers.

He stated this in an interview with the Associated Press.

Zelensky reiterated his intention to secure NATO membership as a security guarantee for Ukraine. In his view, this would be "the cheapest option for everyone" and would also represent "Trump's victory."

Meanwhile, other security guarantees will require defense support from the U.S. and Europe. The Ukrainian president supports the idea of deploying European peacekeepers, but only "as part of security guarantees, not as the sole guarantee."

Additionally, Zelensky noted that there are "many questions remaining" regarding this idea, particularly concerning the command and administrative structure, the number of troops, and their positions. He discussed these issues with French President Emmanuel Macron, who proposed the idea of peacekeepers, and U.S. President Donald Trump.

"Imagine there is a contingent. The question is, who is responsible? Who is in charge? What will they do in the event of Russian strikes? Missiles, landings, attacks from the sea, crossing the land border, offensives. What will they do? What are their powers?" the Ukrainian president asks.

Peacekeepers for Ukraine

Recall that back in February 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the potential deployment of his troops to Ukraine at a meeting he convened with partner countries in Paris. However, the nations did not reach a consensus on this issue.

In November, the French publication Le Monde reported that some European leaders had returned to the discussion about the possible deployment of Western troops to Ukraine due to the potential refusal of newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump to assist Kyiv.

Meanwhile, American media circulated a plan to resolve the war in Ukraine, allegedly proposed by advisors to the newly elected U.S. president.

This plan, in particular, includes the establishment of a demilitarized zone along the frozen front line between Russia and Ukraine, with security there guaranteed by troops from European countries.

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that partner troops in Ukraine could become one of the best tools to compel Russia to peace. However, he emphasized that the European peacekeeping mission should not replace Ukraine's NATO membership.

Previously, discussions about the readiness to send peacekeepers were held in Italy and Germany. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius noted that Russia must also agree to the European peacekeeping mission.

At the same time, Poland announced that they do not plan to send their troops.