Defense officials from over 30 countries to discuss in Paris international security force for Ukraine
This was reported by AP, citing a French military official, Ukrinform reports.
The source says the international forces are intended to deter Russia from another offensive once a ceasefire comes into force in Ukraine.
The list of participants in the discussions will also include countries from Asia and Oceania, who will join the meeting via videoconference, the French official added.
The source claims the international composition of the event indicates how widely France and the United Kingdom, both working jointly on plans for a peacekeeping force, seek to include in the coalition nations that are able and willing to join efforts to protect Ukraine if truce is achieved.
A French military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that, according to plan, international peacekeeping forces could be equipped with heavy arms, a stockpile of weapons, and could be deployed within hours or days to help defend Ukraine in the event of a Russian attack.
Earlier, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would hold a virtual meeting on Saturday with leaders of nations ready to help preserve peace in Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire.
As Ukrinform reported, French President Emmanuel Macron announced a meeting in Paris of the chiefs of staff of countries willing to assume responsibility for implementing a plan for a strong and lasting peace, drafted jointly with Ukraine and several European partners.
