US wasn't invited to summit of military representatives in Paris - AP
Representatives from almost all 32 NATO countries will participate in the summit, except for the US (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
The US will not be represented at a summit of military officials in Paris on March 11, where discussions will focus on the creation of international security forces for Ukraine. They were not invited, according to the Associated Press.
According to the Associated Press, the US was not invited to the summit as European countries aim to demonstrate their ability to take responsibility for maintaining peace in Ukraine after a ceasefire.
The negotiations in Paris will involve chiefs of staff or representatives from almost all 32 NATO member countries, except the US. Croatia and Montenegro also did not receive invitations to the meeting.
At the summit, military officials will discuss how the international security forces, proposed by France and the UK, should prevent a large-scale Russian offensive after a potential ceasefire.
According to a French official familiar with the matter, the composition of the security forces could include heavy weaponry and strategic weapon reserves that could be rapidly deployed - within hours or days - to support Ukraine’s defense in case of a ceasefire violation by Russian troops.
The second part of the meeting will involve more precise discussions, during which participants will be invited to express the readiness and capabilities of their military structures for involvement in the initiative.
However, the final decision on participation in the mission will be made by heads of state at the political level.
Meeting in Paris
France has scheduled a meeting of chiefs of staff from countries that may assist Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron suggested that peace in Ukraine will likely require the deployment of European soldiers, who will not fight on the front lines but will instead be stationed there after a peace agreement is signed to ensure its full compliance.
Therefore, on March 11, the President of France will convene chiefs of staff from countries willing to take responsibility for this in Paris. Reports indicate that Macron will also attend the meeting.
It was also revealed today that military representatives from more than 30 countries will participate in the negotiations in Paris. Representatives from countries in Asia and Oceania will also join the talks remotely.
