This is reported by RBK-Ukraine, referencing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. This information comes from Kontrakty.UA.
"We are discussing with the French side regarding the European, as you mentioned, contingent on the territory of Ukraine. For now, these are quite general matters. We maintain that the contingent from various countries, our allies, our strategic partners, exists and can become part of security guarantees. However, this cannot be the sole security guarantees. It will not be sufficient," the president explained.
According to the head of state, the issue of deploying peacekeeping forces in Ukraine will be discussed with the Prime Minister of Britain and has been discussed with Baltic partners.
Zelensky emphasized that a Western military contingent can only be part of security guarantees for Ukraine. However, the question remains regarding what kind of contingent, from which countries, the quantitative composition, and where they might be stationed.
"A step back, if possible, towards the contingent, primarily it could and should be instructors with a substantial training program for our guys, our troops in Ukraine. On our territory. This is also something we are discussing within the framework of this future program, should it occur regarding the deployment of forces and means," he clarified.
Deployment of Peacekeepers in Ukraine
Recall that the idea of deploying military instructors in Ukraine was first proposed by France. President Emmanuel Macron has also advocated for the deployment of peacekeeping troops in Ukraine.
So far, most NATO countries are opposed to sending troops to Ukraine. For instance, the German Minister of Defense suggested that Berlin might discuss this idea, but only on the condition that Russia agrees to it.
At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that the introduction of peacekeepers is one of the best tools to compel Russia to a lasting peace.