European leaders are discussing the possibility of sending military contingents to Ukraine as part of a future peace agreement. Ten countries have expressed their willingness to send their forces to the war-affected country.
President of the European Council Antonio Costa told reporters in Lisbon that the terms of guarantees will be settled 'in the coming days, preferably this week.'
During the meeting on Tuesday, the plan to send British and French troops to Ukraine was discussed. Britain and France are ready to send hundreds of their soldiers, who will be stationed in Ukraine away from the front line, and become part of a multinational group of European forces.
The British government stated that European military officials would meet with their American counterparts in the coming days to detail 'reliable security guarantees and prepare for the deployment of support forces in case of a cessation of hostilities.'
Negotiations and the Kremlin's position
The negotiations will involve the highest NATO military commander in Europe and defense chiefs of the alliance member states. However, the Kremlin has rejected the possibility of NATO troops being stationed on Ukrainian territory, demanding concessions from Kyiv.
Ukraine, as a country affected by war, is seen as a potential site for the deployment of military contingents from Europe in the event of a cessation of hostilities.