NATO dismisses Zelenskyy’s idea of Ukrainian troops replacing US forces in Europe
Photo: NATO commented on Ukraine's victory plan (flickr.com/afge)
NATO Parliamentary Assembly President Gerry Connolly stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's victory plan includes the possibility of Ukrainian troops being stationed in Europe after the war. However, this generous offer is currently inappropriate.
During an interview, a journalist mentioned that Zelenskyy's victory plan envisions, among other things, the potential deployment of Ukrainian troops in Europe after the war if the United States decides to withdraw or reduce its military presence in Europe.
In response, Connolly noted that this proposal is not suitable at the moment.
"This is a generous offer from President Zelenskyy, with whom I have met many times, including in small groups at various conferences and events. But I think it's an inappropriate offer right now. It seems like a political play directed at Donald Trump in case he wins the election. And for those of us who are fighting for Ukraine in the US Congress, we don't need to hear this. The U.S. needs to stay in Europe," he said.
At the same time, the President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly noted that the US should not be encouraged to leave Europe, as this is not in the interests of Ukraine or other allies.
"If anyone would welcome this, it would be Vladimir Putin (Russian dictator, - ed.). Because we are the counterbalance, and our physical presence in Europe reassures our partners. That doesn't mean we can't make certain changes in our deployments. But the idea that we would fully withdraw from Europe and the Ukrainians would generously replace us... Well, I take this offer as an act of generosity, but the idea is unproductive. And right now, it is also harmful," Connolly said.
It is worth noting that Zelenskyy recently presented Ukraine's victory plan to the Rada. More about what it entails - in RBC-Ukraine's material.
