Several European countries are secretly working on plans to send troops to Ukraine to “help ensure the implementation” of any future peace deal with Russia, AP reports.
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| Russian Foreign Ministry announced that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at Washington's request, on February 15. (Source: Reuters) |
According to AP , European countries began studying such options about a year ago due to concerns about US President Donald Trump's stance on resolving the conflict.
A group of European nations, increasingly concerned that U.S. security priorities lie elsewhere, is secretly working on plans to send troops to Ukraine to help enforce any future peace deal with Russia, AP reported.
Europe began looking into what kind of force it might need about a year ago, but the sense of urgency has increased amid concerns that US President Donald Trump could bypass them and even Ukraine to strike a deal with (Russian President Vladimir) Putin.
The AP revealed that Britain and France are leading the effort. Although details remain scarce, the composition and role of the force will be determined by the terms of the peace deal.
AP commented: "It is clear that Europe will have difficulty assembling a large force, and they certainly cannot do it quickly.
Meanwhile, Russian forces continued to step up combat operations in eastern Ukraine on February 16, with the main attacks concentrated near the important logistics center of Pokrovsk.
Ukraine says Russian troops have been advancing toward Pokrovsk for weeks as part of their pacification campaign in the eastern Donetsk region, seizing a series of villages.
The Ukrainian military reported 261 clashes in the past 24 hours, compared with just over 100 the day before. Nearly a third of the total was concentrated near Pokrovsk.
According to the Ukrainian military, Russian forces are attacking Ukrainian positions south, west and east of Pokrovsk.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported on February 15 that US and Russian officials are expected to meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days to begin negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine was not invited to the talks in Saudi Arabia and Kiev will not cooperate with Russia before consulting with strategic partners.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and White House Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff will travel to Saudi Arabia. However, it is not yet clear who Russia will send to this meeting.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/tiet-lo-ke-hoach-bi-mat-gui-quan-toi-ukraine-cua-eu-nga-day-manh-hoat-dong-chien-dau-o-mien-dong-304537.html
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