Zelenskyy: More global leaders stepping up with security guarantees, peacekeeping support

He discussed this during a press conference following a meeting of leaders focused on supporting Ukraine and ensuring security in Europe.

The president noted that much attention is currently being paid to the issue of Ukraine’s future security infrastructure. One of its key elements, he emphasized, is the army—specifically, the funding and strengthening of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Zelenskyy also stressed that Russia cannot dictate the rules for Ukraine’s defense.

“Today, the united stance of all countries is that Russia cannot dictate the size of our army. Not now, and not in the future,” he said.

The president highlighted the importance of ensuring that Russia has no backing in this matter. According to him, most European countries do not support Russia in this regard, and today’s meeting sends a similar signal to the United States.

“In Europe, we see they don’t have that support—most countries, at least the entire Coalition gathered here today, all support the idea that Ukraine must maintain a strong army, one capable of countering the Russian onslaught,” the President explained.

Additionally, Zelenskyy stated that the number of countries willing to provide Ukraine with security guarantees is increasing—covering the air, land, sea, and air defense systems.

“There are many offers from leaders, and the number is growing,” the president said.

As for the peacekeeping contingent—what it could do, how it would be used, and who would lead it—there are still no concrete answers at this time.

Zelenskyy also speculated that, in addition to the Franco-British military delegation, others might join.

“And they will join to review the foundation Ukraine has prepared: how we envision it, where we envision it, and the quantitative and qualitative composition of this contingent,” the president explained.

• On March 25, Zelenskyy, at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, shared what he expects from the peacekeeping contingent.
• On March 26, Macron stated that the proposed peacekeeping contingent would be capable of resisting a Russian attack if Moscow dares to invade Ukraine again. He also noted that once peace is achieved, deterrence forces involving several European countries would operate in Ukraine.