Peacekeepers in Ukraine: Rutte warns against 2014 'déjà vu'
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (Photo: Getty Images)
To answer the question about the likelihood of foreign contingents being deployed in Ukraine, it is important to understand the conditions under which a ceasefire could be achieved and a peace agreement signed, states NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
The head of the alliance emphasized that these factors will significantly impact the nature of security guarantees for Ukraine.
Rutte emphasized that these factors will significantly influence the nature of security guarantees for Ukraine.
In particular, he warned against a repeat of the situation that arose after the signing of the Minsk agreements.
Rutte said that what happened in 2014 with Minsk was not sustainable, long-lasting, or durable, and that no one wanted a repeat of that. He emphasized the need to ensure that any agreement between Russia and Ukraine would be long-term.
Deployment of peacekeepers in Ukraine
The European Union and several Western countries are considering options for deploying a military contingent in Ukraine in case of a cessation of hostilities. Currently, six countries are prepared to send their peacekeepers.
President Zelenskyy did not rule out that the first peacekeepers could be introduced by the UK and France.
In particular, London may deploy troops in Ukraine for five years.
Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni proposed extending NATO's Article 5 on collective security to Ukraine without the country becoming a member of the Alliance.
Rutte stated that various initiatives are under consideration on the agenda.
