Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) shakes hands with Leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Friedrich Merz during their meeting in Kyiv on Sunday. AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested on Monday the deployment of foreign troops in war-torn Ukraine until the country becomes a member of the Nato military alliance. He made this comment during a joint press conference in Kyiv with German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, as the imminent return of Donald Trump to the White House fuels discussions about a potential deal to end Russia's 33-month-old war in Ukraine. Ukraine, which has been actively seeking an invitation to join Nato, has consistently argued that it requires security guarantees to deter Russia from launching another attack once the current conflict ends.
"A troop contingent from one country or another could be stationed in Ukraine for as long as it isn't part of Nato. However, we need a clear timeline for when Ukraine will become an EU member and when it will join Nato," Zelensky stated.
French President Emmanuel Macron stirred controversy in Europe in February by proposing the idea of European nations sending troops to Ukraine, though he noted that there was no consensus on the issue.
"Even if we receive an invitation (to Nato), what then? Who will ensure our security? We can consider this and work on Emmanuel Macron's proposal," Zelensky commented.
The Ukrainian leader revealed his intention to call outgoing US President Joe Biden in the coming days to discuss Nato membership. "I plan to call President Biden soon to discuss the issue of an invitation to join Nato," he said through an interpreter. "He is the current president, and his opinion carries significant weight. Discussing this with Trump before he takes office doesn't seem as relevant."
Russia has insisted that Ukraine abandon its Nato aspirations, viewing Kyiv's membership in the alliance as a severe security threat.
Source link: https://www.khaleejtimes.com
