Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has weighed in on French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal regarding the potential deployment of NATO troops to Ukraine. During his address, he emphasized that involving foreign troops for training Ukrainian forces could yield results much faster than dispatching full-fledged military brigades.
“I believe that having troops here to train our guys is much more efficient than sending brigades there. Additionally, they would gain valuable combat experience, especially on such equipment. It’s one thing to operate this machinery in a peaceful country, and entirely another when you find yourself on the battlefield,” the head of state underscored.
Zelensky also floated the idea of establishing repair hubs for military equipment, enabling Ukrainian specialists to conduct repairs on Western machinery domestically, without sending it abroad. According to the president, this initiative, partially implemented already, significantly reduces repair time.
The president also voiced support for the idea of stationing foreign troops on the Ukrainian border. “How can we refuse? If they offer and come, we will only support it,” he added.
Separately, Zelensky highlighted that he cannot initiate the invitation of Western troops to Ukraine, as it may sow discord among Western allies and provoke a reaction from the Russian Federation.
“To be frank, I am not privy to the details of discussions between Macron and his partners. I want to hear from Emmanuel himself. But I want to explain my stance. Today, I cannot publicly say, ‘Yes, send armies to Ukraine and fight!’ Because Russia will stir up noise globally, persuade other countries not to send their sons to war, claiming it’s not their war, and start dividing Europe and NATO,” Zelensky explained.
The Ukrainian president stressed that initiatives from other countries are always welcome in Ukraine. “If someone wants to help Ukraine, we will never object,” Zelensky emphasized.