Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday that Kyiv is negotiating with partners about the possible deployment of thousands of foreign soldiers in Ukraine.
Speaking at a joint press conference with European Council President Antonio Costa in the Ukrainian city of Uzhhorod, Zelenskyy responded to questions about reports suggesting that 10.000 soldiers could be stationed in the country.
“I will not talk about the number, but it is important that we are discussing all of this,” he said.
“Yes, definitely not in units, but in thousands. And that is a fact, but it is still a little early to talk about it,” added the Ukrainian president.
Costa, who was visiting Ukraine, expressed the European Union’s (EU) continued support for Kyiv in facing Russia’s ongoing attacks, emphasizing Europe’s unity in strengthening Ukraine’s security and defense.
The Ukrainian president has repeatedly called for long-term international security guarantees in order to ensure stability in the country.
Ukraine has been seeking broader commitments from its partners since Russia started the war in February 2022, and discussions about the potential deployment of international forces and defense frameworks have intensified.
