Media: Ukraine talks could allow additional forces beyond army limits

A prospective agreement aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine may permit Kyiv to maintain supplementary security forces—such as the National Guard—in addition to the “nominal” troop levels assigned to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

According to the Telegram channel “Earlier Than Everyone. Well, Almost.”, which cites The Washington Post as well as American and Ukrainian officials, negotiators continue to struggle with proposals to cap the size of Ukraine’s military. Kyiv has rejected demands to embed such limitations in its constitution.

The Washington Post reports: “Regardless of the nominal size of the army, officials say there may be additional forces, such as the National Guard, which already exists in Ukraine.”

At the same time, European officials have suggested setting the troop ceiling for the Armed Forces of Ukraine at 800,000, an increase from the 600,000 limit put forward by the United States, while still preserving the option for Kyiv to maintain additional formations.

By Vafa Guliyeva