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Zelensky aide requests EU fighting troops
(MENAFN) A senior adviser to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has urged European nations to deploy trained combat troops to Ukraine, emphasizing the need for forces capable of defending key positions rather than engaging in direct conflict with Russia.
Speaking to AFP on Wednesday, Igor Zhovkva made the appeal ahead of a Paris summit involving the "coalition of the willing"—a group of European and allied nations offering security guarantees to Ukraine.
“We need well-trained, serious troops... ready to fight,” Zhovkva stated, clarifying that Kiev is not asking for European forces to actively engage Russian troops but to reinforce Ukraine’s defensive positions. “We are not talking about soldiers who will fight Russia, but those who will defend and deter.”
Led by France and the UK, the coalition is discussing the potential deployment of a 30,000-strong "reassurance" force tasked with securing key cities, infrastructure, and ports, as well as conducting air-policing missions.
Moscow has repeatedly warned that sending NATO personnel to Ukraine—whether for peacekeeping or defensive purposes—would be considered direct military involvement in the conflict. Russian officials have also accused France and the UK of escalating tensions to disrupt ongoing diplomatic efforts between the US and Russia.
The scope of the proposed force remains uncertain, with some EU leaders advocating for a stronger military presence while others, including Germany and Poland, express concerns about escalating the war.
The US has distanced itself from the initiative, with President Donald Trump’s administration rejecting any deployment of American troops. Instead, Washington remains focused on diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire. In response, some European nations are considering assuming greater responsibility for Ukraine’s security. French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Europe to “step up” its commitments.
On Wednesday, Zelensky arrived in Paris for talks with Macron ahead of the summit. According to Le Monde, the French leader is expected to reaffirm France’s commitment to increasing military and financial aid to Ukraine.
Speaking to AFP on Wednesday, Igor Zhovkva made the appeal ahead of a Paris summit involving the "coalition of the willing"—a group of European and allied nations offering security guarantees to Ukraine.
“We need well-trained, serious troops... ready to fight,” Zhovkva stated, clarifying that Kiev is not asking for European forces to actively engage Russian troops but to reinforce Ukraine’s defensive positions. “We are not talking about soldiers who will fight Russia, but those who will defend and deter.”
Led by France and the UK, the coalition is discussing the potential deployment of a 30,000-strong "reassurance" force tasked with securing key cities, infrastructure, and ports, as well as conducting air-policing missions.
Moscow has repeatedly warned that sending NATO personnel to Ukraine—whether for peacekeeping or defensive purposes—would be considered direct military involvement in the conflict. Russian officials have also accused France and the UK of escalating tensions to disrupt ongoing diplomatic efforts between the US and Russia.
The scope of the proposed force remains uncertain, with some EU leaders advocating for a stronger military presence while others, including Germany and Poland, express concerns about escalating the war.
The US has distanced itself from the initiative, with President Donald Trump’s administration rejecting any deployment of American troops. Instead, Washington remains focused on diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire. In response, some European nations are considering assuming greater responsibility for Ukraine’s security. French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Europe to “step up” its commitments.
On Wednesday, Zelensky arrived in Paris for talks with Macron ahead of the summit. According to Le Monde, the French leader is expected to reaffirm France’s commitment to increasing military and financial aid to Ukraine.
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