Zelensky invited Western allies to deploy troops in Ukraine.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the potential deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine is one of the best tools for pressuring Russia into peace.

He made this remark during the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group at the "Ramstein" base in Germany.

“Let’s be more practical to make this possible. And we have heard signals from the United Kingdom – in support of this. We must be bold, and we must propose truly strong tools,” the President of Ukraine addressed the allies.

Zelensky reminded about France's proposal to deploy partner troops in Ukraine, emphasizing that this measure would help bring peace closer.

In November 2024, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, during a visit to London, urged allies “not to set red lines” regarding support for Ukraine and did not rule out the possibility of sending French troops there.

For the first time, the idea of stationing Western troops in Ukraine was raised by French President Emmanuel Macron in February of last year.

“We all understand: as of today, Putin's goals remain unchanged, and he wants to completely destroy Ukraine and break all of us and you as well,” Zelensky said to the allies. Therefore, Ukraine's goal is to find as many tools for pressure on the Kremlin to compel it to peace as possible, the President added.

Zelensky also appealed to allies for investment in the creation of domestically produced drones in Ukraine.

He emphasized that Ukrainians have gained the most experience in Europe in using drones.

“And we also have the largest drone manufacturing capacity in Europe. So, please, invest more in these strengths of Ukraine, because after the war, they will also become your strengths,” said the Ukrainian leader.

He also called on the meeting participants to increase the supply of air defense systems to Ukraine.

“We really need air defense systems. You have already provided us with some, thank you, and we need a lot more systems,” Zelensky said, reminding about negotiations with the United States regarding licensing the production of such systems in Ukraine, which could become “part of our security guarantees.”

In December, sources from The Wall Street Journal reported that elected U.S. President Donald Trump approved the idea of deploying European troops in Ukraine to monitor compliance with a possible ceasefire during a meeting with Zelensky and Macron. Trump emphasized that the American military would not participate, as he believes the main role in defending Ukraine should belong to Europe.

Later, it became known that European countries are engaged in concrete negotiations to send a military contingent to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire or a freeze in the war with Russia. According to Reuters sources, the minimum number of such a mission could reach 40,000 soldiers, and its basis would consist of contingents from five to eight countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Poland.