Zelenskyy proposes joint planning team to allies at Paris summit

ISTANBUL

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday called on allies at a summit in Paris to send a group of representatives to Ukraine to jointly develop a clear and unified security plan.

Speaking at a high-level meeting on Ukraine’s defense hosted by France, Zelenskyy said a “coalition of willing and capable partners” is already working together politically and militarily, stressing the need to answer “very specific questions.”

“I’m grateful to France, the United Kingdom, and all involved for the sincere desire to help us build long-term security,” he said.

Zelenskyy emphasized that the coalition still must clarify concrete details about a future deployment in Ukraine.

“Which countries will be involved on the ground, in the sky, and at sea in Ukraine? Where exactly will these forces be deployed? What will be the number and structure of these forces? What will their response procedures be in case of threat? And when will our coalition actually deploy these forces – at the beginning of a cease-fire or only after a full end to the war and a settlement?” he asked.

The Ukrainian leader proposed inviting a small group of representatives from partner countries to Ukraine to jointly draft a detailed plan.

“We need one clear plan – a plan we all agree on and start implementing, based on the options and proposals already discussed with you and available to you,” Zelenskyy said.