Zelensky backtracks: European troops can secure Ukraine
On Monday, during a press conference with German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, the Ukrainian president returned to the idea of deploying Western troops in Ukraine. The move comes in anticipation of his country joining NATO.
The idea had been put forward by French President Emmanuel Macron last February. Volodymyr Zelensky said: “We can think and work on Emmanuel’s position. He suggested that troops from one country be present on Ukrainian territory, which would guarantee us security as long as Ukraine is not in NATO.” He added: “However, we must have a clear assessment of when Ukraine will be in the European Union and when Ukraine will be in NATO.”
In the coming days, the Ukrainian leader is expected to contact Joe Biden and discuss his request for NATO integration.
(MH with Manon Pierre - Source: Le Monde - Illustration: Unsplash)