Can UN peacekeepers be alternative to military contingent? Zelenskyy's response
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The UN will not be able to ensure Ukraine's protection against another Russian invasion. Therefore, this option is not an alternative to a potential military contingent, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this at a press conference with President of Czechia Petr Pavel.
"With all due respect, the UN will not protect us from occupation or Putin's (Russian President Vladimir Putin – ed.) desire to come again. We do not see the UN as an alternative to a contingent or security guarantees," Zelenskyy emphasized.
The president noted that Ukraine maintains "logical relations" with UN representatives, including Secretary-General António Guterres.
"The UN cannot be an alternative to security guarantees because the UN will have no mandate to protect Ukraine if Putin comes again with war," the head of state added.
According to Zelenskyy, it is also unclear whether a military contingent would have such a mandate to defend Ukraine — there is no answer to this question yet.
"But, undoubtedly, when there are troops, air defense systems, ships, aircraft, and a strong army, as well as serious intelligence from our partners in Ukraine, going against such an infrastructure is very dangerous for the Russians," he emphasized.
The head of state doubts that Russia would fear the UN, as Moscow has violated all international norms with this war.
Alternative to a contingent
Earlier, The Telegraph reported that French President Emmanuel Macron believes a UN mission could serve as an alternative to deploying European troops to Ukraine.
The French leader has allegedly already discussed this initiative with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
