Military officials from the UK and France met in Kyiv to discuss a special expeditionary force being deployed in Ukraine.
Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to the Head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office said they will not be peacekeepers as this would be ineffective as Russia won’t “disappear from the map.”
He warned that Russia is a clear threat to Europe and told media outlet 24 Kanal, “This is not only about troop deployment but about a multifaceted program — including a closed sky enforced by the air forces of other countries, particularly NATO members. It also involves significantly boosting Ukraine’s [air defence] missile capabilities through bases, production, and supply.”
Podolyak said that Ukraine is under European protection, and it must not become a “grey zone” which is was Vladimir Putin wants.
He added, “Our partners are aware of this and are ready to move toward practical implementation. We’re not just talking about France or the UK — there are other countries, like Sweden, that are also considering involvement.
“Once a ceasefire is reached, discussions will focus on deterrence guarantees, which must be implemented on Ukrainian territory with the presence of foreign nations.”
The Kyiv Post reported that the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said they are still looking into the conditions as whether or not they will be part of any potential “peacekeeping” mission inside Ukraine.
Carney said that Canada is part of the “Coalition of the Willing” which was set up by London and Paris.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the “Coalition of the Willing” could start once there is a complete ceasefire.
“We are moving forward, we would like it to be faster, but nevertheless, yes, we are discussing the option that a complete ceasefire can open the way to a diplomatic end to the war. Therefore, Coalition of the Willing may appear in Ukraine precisely after a complete ceasefire,” Zelensky said during a press conference with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever on Tuesday.
