President Volodymyr Zelensky stated at a press conference with European Council President Antonio Costa in Uzhhorod, western Ukraine, today that "thousands, not just a few" Western troops could be deployed to Ukraine as part of security guarantees. He added that it was too early to disclose details, but discussions were underway. Zelensky also mentioned "coordinated steps" in EU accession talks with Costa, highlighting Kyiv's view of EU membership as key to security and post-conflict recovery.
In a video address to the Cernobbio Economic Forum in Italy the same day, Zelensky urged immediate implementation of security guarantees for Ukraine, "without waiting for the end of hostilities." He stressed that support should encompass economic as well as military assurances.
"The first step to ending any war is a ceasefire. Increased pressure, security guarantees, and sanctions will surely push him in the right direction," Zelensky said, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference with the President of the European Council in Uzhhorod on 5/9. Photo: AFP |
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference with the President of the European Council in Uzhhorod on 5/9. Photo: AFP
Following a summit in Paris on 4/9, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 countries were prepared to send troops or other support to Ukraine, but only after a ceasefire.
Russia immediately warned against the idea. On 5/9, President Putin declared that any Western troops deployed in Ukraine would be considered "legitimate targets." He asserted that such a deployment wouldn't benefit lasting peace and reiterated that close military ties between Ukraine and the West were a "root cause" of the conflict.
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Georgiy Tykhy criticized Putin's comments. "He doesn't get to decide. Putin made a mistake invading Ukraine. It's not his business who Ukraine invites to its territory for security," Tykhy stated.
Ukraine and several European leaders have accused Putin of using ceasefire talk as a stalling tactic while Russian forces intensify battlefield activity.
Thuy Lam (AFP, Kyiv Independent, Reuters)
