According to a VNA correspondent in London, European officials said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has gathered about 20 countries interested in forming a "coalition of the willing" to deploy peacekeeping forces in Ukraine as part of a post-war solution.
Britain and France are leading efforts to form a "coalition of the willing," prepared to deploy troops to uphold any deal to end the conflict in Ukraine.
The group, which mainly includes European and Commonwealth partners, held talks this week aimed at securing a ceasefire in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, according to British officials.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks about the plan and the "need for new, significant steps" with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the European Union (EU) summit in Brussels on March 6, while Prime Minister Starmer and President Macron will hold separate talks on March 7 after discussions in Brussels.
Australia, Ireland, Luxembourg, Belgium and Türkiye have said they are ready to join the military deployment in Ukraine. Canada, Denmark and Sweden have also not ruled out joining. Their defense ministers will meet in Paris next week to continue discussions.
Sources said not all countries participating in the talks committed to providing manpower, but wanted to play a role in promoting peace in Ukraine.
Ukrainian officials are likely to discuss the European strategy when they hold peace talks with their US counterparts in Saudi Arabia next week, and Mr Starmer is also said to be working closely with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the plan.
In Brussels, EU leaders unanimously backed Mr Zelensky after US President Donald Trump suspended arms aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. The statement signed by 26 EU countries, except Hungary, affirmed "unwavering" support for Ukraine./.
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