FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
French President Emmanuel Macron said that the stationing of peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, as proposed by Britain and France, in the event of a ceasefire with Russia, is a matter for Kiev, not Moscow, to decide.
Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have stepped up efforts to consolidate military support for Ukraine, as US President Donald Trump pushes forward with a peace deal with Russia.
Starmer held a virtual meeting with Macron and other Ukrainian allies yesterday.
"Ukraine is sovereign. If it comes to the question of allied forces being on its territory, it should not be decided by Russia ," Macron said in an interview with French media.
Russia has rejected the idea of soldiers from NATO countries being stationed in Ukraine.
Macron said that each peacekeeping force would consist of "thousands of troops from each country," who would be stationed in key locations, while adding that there are European countries and beyond that are interested in participating.
But, like other aspects of the potential ceasefire, it is unknown how the peacekeeping force might be formed.
Britain and France have said they may send peacekeeping forces to Ukraine, while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said his country is open to negotiations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously said he supports Washington's proposal for a ceasefire in Ukraine in principle, but that his forces will continue fighting until certain conditions are met.
Russia and Ukraine have continued airstrikes on each other, causing significant damage.
The war in Ukraine began on February 24, 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin calls the war a "special military operation" to demilitarize Ukraine.
The West has responded to Russia by hitting its economy with harsh sanctions. The war has killed thousands and displaced millions from their homes.
Lini një Përgjigje