Security guarantees: Zelenskyy says size and functions of foreign deterrence contingent in Ukraine are almost agreed

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the issue of the size and functions of a foreign deterrence contingent in Ukraine within the framework of European security guarantees is almost agreed, but that he is not yet ready to disclose these details publicly.

Source: Zelenskyy's remarks during a conversation with journalists, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy was asked whether the quantitative and qualitative composition of the deterrence contingent, as well as its deployment in Ukraine, had already been agreed, along with an action plan in the event of Russian aggression; whether these forces could enter combat in the event of a new attack on Ukraine, or whether other forms of support were envisaged.

"Yesterday, there was a detailed briefing by our generals from France, the UK, the United States of America and from Ukraine… In principle, all the details have been agreed upon between the countries. In principle, I believe we already have answers to the questions you are asking. There are answers there on support, armaments and presence – there are answers to all these questions. But… for now, I am not ready to speak about this publicly," Zelenskyy said.

He also said that a "nuclear umbrella" from Europe's nuclear powers is not being discussed as part of European security guarantees for Ukraine; instead, the focus is on multi-component measures to maintain Ukraine's defence capability and deter renewed Russian aggression.

Background:

• On 7 January, Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Cyprus, which is beginning its presidency of the Council of the EU.
• Prior to that, on 6 January, he took part in a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!