French and British forces lead Ukraine ceasefire mission
French troops will be among the first in the contingent overseeing the ceasefire in Ukraine. The efforts to establish this contingent, in collaboration with the United Kingdom, will continue for another month, President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced.
What do you need to know?
- French and British troops: French and British troops will play a key role in the contingent overseeing the ceasefire in Ukraine. The establishment process will likely take about another month.
- Meeting in Kyiv: The Chiefs of the General Staffs of France and the United Kingdom met with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and President Zelensky to discuss the details of the contingent.
- Russian attacks: Despite an agreement to halt attacks on energy infrastructure, Russia struck a heating plant in Kherson, underscoring the challenges in enforcing agreements.
What are the plans for the contingent?
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that French troops will be among the first in the contingent overseeing a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. This initiative, also in cooperation with the United Kingdom, is set to continue for about another month.
Zelensky highlighted that France and the United Kingdom are the primary representatives of the European contingent. "I am absolutely confident that (French and British troops) will be among the first. French and British troops will be among the first to arrive in Ukraine. They are the main representatives of the European continent," he stated.
On Friday, a meeting occurred in Kyiv, involving the Chiefs of the General Staffs of the armed forces of France and the United Kingdom with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and President Zelensky.
The discussions focused on the contingent's details; however, Zelensky did not disclose all the specifics, stating that this represents just the beginning of the work. Yet, he revealed that within the security guarantees framework for Ukraine, the presence of international partners is being discussed "on the ground, in the air, and at sea, as well as air defence. And some other delicate matters."
What are the reactions to Russian actions?
Zelensky reported that despite the agreement between Ukraine and Russia to halt attacks on energy infrastructure, Russian troops struck a heating plant in Kherson on Friday.
The President emphasised that Russian promises are always followed by missiles and drones, complicating the implementation of agreements. He reiterated that he is not afraid of direct negotiations with Russia. "We believe that the ceasefire should be unconditional, and after that, we can talk in any format. But for that, the Russians must not be killers, but be ready for diplomacy. So far, they are simply demons," he remarked.
Additionally, Zelensky mentioned ongoing discussions concerning the agreement on US access to Ukraine's resources. Kyiv seeks a fair and partnership-based agreement, and a law firm will represent Ukraine in these talks.
