“I am absolutely convinced that the French troops will be one of the first, if they are. Yes, French contingent, British contingent – they represent this idea today as the main representatives of the European contingent (…)” – said Wołodymyr Zelnski at a press conference.
On Friday, the bosses of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of France and Great Britain, General Thierry Burkhar and Admiral Tony Radakin, talked about the establishment of the contingent. They met with the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksander Syrski and Zelanski.
“I will not announce the details, but this is the deep beginning of this work (over the contingent)” – he emphasized.
He revealed, however, that as part of a security guarantee for Ukraine, the presence of foreign partners is discussed “on earth, in the air and at sea, as well as air defense and other delicate things“.
Zelanski said that, apart from France and Great Britain, other countries are also involved in the matter of contingent. “Many other countries, but I do not want to talk about the number of countries in this coalition yet” – he noted.
As he said, he expects that if Russia does not agree to suspend the war, the US will strengthen its pressure. “We have information that the US is close to taking appropriate steps,” he said.
He repeated that he was not afraid of direct negotiations with Russia.
“We think that suspension of fights should be unconditional. And then we can talk in every format. But for this to happen, you have to make the Russians cease to be murderers, that they are ready for diplomacy,” he said.
Zelanski announced that despite the consent of Ukraine and Russia to suspend the attacks on energy, the Russian troops hit the heatingnia in Cherson on Friday. “Russian promises end with rockets and drones, bombs and artillery” – he emphasized.
Read also: British special forces are ready. They are waiting for an agreement on Ukraine
The president also informed about ongoing talks about the US access agreement to Ukraine's raw materials. As he said, Kyiv believes that she should be fair and partner. He also announced that Ukraine will be represented in talks by a law company and a technical group will soon be established, which will go to the USA in this matter. “I am not going there yet,” said Zelanski.
