Zelensky dismisses Macron's UN mission plan for Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelensky rejected Emmanuel Macron’s suggestion to send a United Nations mission to Ukraine, arguing that such a move would not protect the country from occupation or prevent Putin’s attempts to reassert control.
- President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky expressed doubt about Emmanuel Macron's suggestion for a UN mission, stressing that it will not substitute the European military contingent.
- Zelensky highlighted that the UN is not equipped to defend Ukraine from Russian aggression, which he underscored during a press conference with Czech President Petr Pavel.
- Czech President Petr Pavel announced his country's willingness to contribute to a potential military mission in Ukraine.
Zelensky rejects Macron's proposal
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky firmly articulated his stance on French President Emmanuel Macron's proposal to establish a UN mission.
During a press conference alongside Czech President Petr Pavel, Zelensky made it clear that while Ukraine respects the UN's role, it does not see it as capable of defending against occupation or deterring Putin’s ambitions to return. He emphasized that Kyiv does not consider a UN mission a replacement for a European military presence or concrete security guarantees.
Will Russia not be intimidated by the UN?
The President of Ukraine observed that Russia has habitually breached international norms, leaving it unafraid of UN interventions.
The President of Ukraine added that a strong, identifiable military presence—complete with air defence systems, ships, aircraft, ground forces, and reliable intelligence from allies—poses a serious challenge to any aggressor. He questioned whether Russia would be deterred by the presence of the UN, pointing out that Moscow has already ignored international norms throughout the conflict and is unlikely to be intimidated by such a mission.
Earlier, The Telegraph reported that French President Emmanuel Macron is actively investigating alternatives to deploying European forces in Ukraine.
Czech Republic declares readiness
During the same press conference, Czech President Petr Pavel announced his nation's readiness to join a potential military mission in Ukraine.
Pavel stated that a meeting in London on Thursday at the chiefs of staff level focused on discussing the potential terms for deploying a military presence in Ukraine. He affirmed that the Czech Republic is ready to participate in these talks and expressed his belief that, should a decision be made to form such a force, Czechia would participate.
