Ukraine is advancing discussions with international partners about deploying a foreign military contingent on its territory as part of broader security guarantees. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made this announcement during a press conference, emphasising that the United States must play a pivotal role in any security framework for Ukraine.
The idea, initially floated by France, has gained traction among Ukraine’s allies, including Poland, the Baltic states, and the United Kingdom. However, Zelenskyy cautioned against premature speculation about the size or structure of such a contingent, as these details depend on the eventual security arrangements agreed upon with international partners.
“Ukraine needs serious and effective security guarantees today,” Zelenskyy stated. “We have discussed this French initiative to deploy a contingent in detail with French President Macron. Similar discussions are ongoing with Poland, the Baltics, and the UK. It is too early to speak about the numbers or specifics—it depends entirely on the overarching format of security guarantees for Ukraine.”
Zelenskyy underscored that goodwill alone is insufficient to achieve meaningful security. He reiterated that any plan lacking American participation is a non-starter.
| Key Nations Involved in Discussions | Primary Contributions Discussed |
|---|---|
| France | Deployment proposal and logistics |
| United States | Security framework cornerstone |
| Poland | Regional coordination and support |
| Baltic States | Strategic alliance contributions |
| United Kingdom | Potential troop deployment |
The President also pointed to the complexities of engaging with the new US administration under Donald Trump. “We have yet to hold a detailed conversation about security guarantees with the American side,” he remarked. “Only after these discussions will the design of a future security system become clear.”
While Zelenskyy expressed optimism about the ongoing talks, he remained cautious, highlighting that the deployment of foreign troops is just one piece of the puzzle in securing Ukraine’s sovereignty.
“Foreign contingents could serve as a powerful tool to pressure Russia towards peace,” Zelenskyy said. “But they alone are not sufficient as guarantees for Ukraine’s security. A holistic approach is required, with the United States at its centre.”
Earlier, Zelenskyy indicated openness to a European military presence in Ukraine. However, he has been unequivocal that this alone would not suffice to shield the country from future aggression. Training Ukrainian forces and equipping them with modern weapons remain essential components of Ukraine’s defensive strategy.
