Top French, UK military chiefs meet with Ukrainian leadership in Kyiv to discuss security guarantees

Burkhard announced this on X.

“Kyiv. A meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi, together with my colleague Tony Radakin,” wrote the French general.

According to him, the goals of the meeting were as follows:

• To maintain steadfast support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, enabling them to continue their fight.
• To define a long-term strategy for the recovery and transformation of Ukraine’s military model — the key guarantee of the country’s security.
• To discuss security guarantee options developed by France and the UK as part of an international coalition to support Ukraine after a ceasefire regime is established.

“Together we aim to ensure a stable and lasting peace in Ukraine — a necessary condition for the security of the European continent,” added Burkhard.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that there has been tangible progress and initial details regarding how the security contingent of partner countries might be deployed.

"I am grateful to all the countries that are helping us in this, and to the United Kingdom and France for their leadership. It is precisely this kind of joint effort, when everyone is focused on a strong outcome, that helps bring closer a reliable and lasting peace in Ukraine," the President concluded.

• French President Emmanuel Macron stated that France and Canada are demanding “clear commitments” from Russia regarding peace in Ukraine, emphasizing that such peace must be accompanied by security guarantees.