Zelenskyy: Ukraine progressing in potentially hosting European forces

He shared this during an online briefing while visiting the UAE. According to him, despite skepticism from some countries, the issue of hosting foreign military contingents has advanced significantly. Zelenskyy believes that the presence of foreign troops in Ukraine could be the first step towards creating a European army capable of responding to Russian aggression in the air, on water, and on land.

“I believe today we have a live platform, not just paper agreements or conversations, but something concrete. I’m talking about a concrete example. We can create a platform with strong countries, but only those who want it,” said the president.

He emphasized, "Europe must become stronger." 

Zelenskyy acknowledged that the structure might not be clear to everyone yet but stressed that work must be done on it. The structure should be based on the fact that Ukraine has the largest army, which is part of Europe's army. He added that funding Ukraine would contribute to the security of the entire continent. "It seems logical and important to me," Ukrainian President concluded.

Peacekeeping forces in Ukraine: What we know

At the end of January, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that at least 200,000 peacekeepers would be needed to secure Ukraine after the cessation of hostilities. He later clarified that among the peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, there should be U.S. military personnel.

On February 11, the New York Times reported that there are no 200,000 peacekeepers in Europe available to be sent to Ukraine. This number is nearly three times the size of the entire British army. On the same day, Zelensky said that the mission could proceed with the deployment of 100,000–150,000 European troops.

According to AP, a group of European countries is quietly working on a plan to send troops to Ukraine. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov had previously confirmed that partners were already exploring the idea of a peacekeeping mission.

On February 17, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that he was ready to deploy peacekeeping forces in Ukraine.

On the same day, Sweden's Foreign Minister, Maria Malmer Stenergard, said the country did not rule out sending troops to Ukraine as part of a post-war peacekeeping mission.