Ukraine in talks to expand Western 'peacekeeping mission' to air and sea - MFA of Ukraine

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Heorhii Tykhyi, said this at a briefing on Thursday, February 27, as reported by European Pravda.

Tykhyi recalled the statement by the Foreign Minister of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha, who raised the need to expand the discussion on Western contingents in Ukraine to include "talks about ensuring the security of air and sea."

"We believe that if our partners and allies discuss the possible deployment of these contingents to ensure long-term peace and security in Ukraine, it is entirely possible to also talk about the protection of Ukrainian airspace, particularly through patrolling by our allies and partners with their aircraft," he added.

The spokesperson also emphasized the need for "increased presence in the Black Sea," as Russia continues to violate the freedom of navigation.

"We are already discussing this with them in negotiations and believe it is a serious issue that requires further discussion," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative noted.

He added that the parameters of a potential "peacekeeping mission" in Ukraine could be discussed at upcoming meetings, including the European Union summit on March 6.

• The UK and France's plan for a peacekeeping force in Ukraine involves deploying up to 30,000 European troops, but it depends on convincing the U.S. President to agree to a limited military role for the United States.