Europe ready to deploy support forces to Ukraine after war, says Zelenskyy's adviser

Leaders of countries participating in the so-called “Coalition of the Willing” have expressed readiness to deploy support forces in Ukraine as part of post-war security guarantees, Deputy Head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, and the president's diplomatic adviser, Ihor Zhovkva, said.

Zhovkva made the statement while commenting on whether concrete security guarantees or leverage mechanisms had been agreed upon by Europe to ensure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports per Ukrainian media.

Without disclosing details, Zhovkva said European leaders involved in the Coalition of the Willing have already developed a specific format of cooperation with Ukraine. He noted that this includes the so-called Ukraine Multifunctional Group, which envisages the deployment of support forces.

“Without going into details, I can say yes: European leaders participating in the ‘Coalition of the Willing’—which includes the format of the so-called Ukraine Multifunctional Group—are discussing exactly this: the deployment of support forces,” Zhovkva said.

He added that the European side has already determined specific modalities of assistance. At the same time, the United States has also discussed security guarantees, a topic that was thoroughly addressed during recent meetings and remains under active consideration.

Zhovkva stressed that Kyiv clearly understands which European countries are prepared to assist Ukraine and in what formats to help maintain peace. He noted that such a mechanism would come into effect after a ceasefire is reached and would be aimed at preventing a repeat of Russian aggression.

By Khagan Isayev