NATO/EU States Consider Ukraine Troop Deployments
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated on Monday that several NATO and European Union member states are considering sending troops to Ukraine on a bilateral basis, according to Reuters.
Fico, who has been criticised for taking what some consider to be a pro-Russian position, declined to provide specifics on those considering deployments. Other European leaders have not yet commented publicly on his remarks. He was speaking ahead of a meeting of European leaders in Paris later on Monday.
“Several NATO and EU member states are considering the possibility of sending their troops to Ukraine on a bilateral basis,” Fico said in a televised briefing after a meeting of Slovakia's Security Council. “I cannot disclose their purpose or objectives.” He emphasised that Slovakia, a member of both the EU and NATO, would not be sending its own troops.
The Slovak prime minister expressed concern about the potential for wider escalation in the Ukraine conflict, stating that further details could not be publicly shared.
Approximately 20 European leaders, including Fico, are set to convene in Paris on Monday. France has stated that this meeting aims to send a message of European resolve regarding Ukraine to Russian President Vladimir Putin. It also intends to challenge the Kremlin's assertion that Russia must prevail in a war now entering its third year.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
