Zelensky's top aide says deploying foreign troops to Ukraine is not realistic
Mikhail Podoliak has emphasized that Europe should prioritize the provision of additional weapons. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Mikhail Podoliak has emphasized that Europe should concentrate on providing more weapons instead of considering peacekeeping missions in Ukraine.
In an interview with Polish radio station RMF on Friday, Podoliak, a key adviser to President Vladimir Zelensky, remarked that the idea of deploying foreign peacekeeping forces or soldiers is currently unrealistic. His comments come shortly after several high-ranking European officials convened for an emergency meeting in Paris. Prior to the gathering, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his readiness to potentially deploy UK troops in Ukraine to assist with a peace agreement.
Podoliak asserted that such deployments “do not seem very realistic scenarios for now.” He advocated for Europe to enhance its defense spending and collaborate with Ukraine to "focus on the development of arms" while continuing support in this manner.
These remarks followed discussions between Russian and American officials in Saudi Arabia on potential negotiations regarding the Ukraine crisis, with US President Donald Trump reiterating his desire to resolve the conflict swiftly.
After the meetings, Sergey Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, firmly opposed the idea of NATO troops being sent to Ukraine. The Russian Foreign Ministry has consistently warned that the presence of any European peacekeeping forces would be seen as a provocative measure, likely escalating tensions further.
Starmer is slated to travel to Washington next week, where The Telegraph reports he plans to propose a deployment of 30,000 European troops to Ukraine, seeking American assurances for their protection. In January, Zelensky suggested that Ukraine might require up to 200,000 European soldiers to ensure a peace deal.
Last week, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed the possibility of sending American troops as part of any security guarantees for Ukraine.
Brussels is reportedly preparing military aid for Ukraine amounting to at least €6 billion, which would include 1.5 million artillery rounds and air defense systems. This package would be one of the EU’s most significant military support measures since the onset of Russia’s military operation in 2022 and could be announced ahead of a visit by EU commissioners to Kiev on February 24.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
In an interview with Polish radio station RMF on Friday, Podoliak, a key adviser to President Vladimir Zelensky, remarked that the idea of deploying foreign peacekeeping forces or soldiers is currently unrealistic. His comments come shortly after several high-ranking European officials convened for an emergency meeting in Paris. Prior to the gathering, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his readiness to potentially deploy UK troops in Ukraine to assist with a peace agreement.
Podoliak asserted that such deployments “do not seem very realistic scenarios for now.” He advocated for Europe to enhance its defense spending and collaborate with Ukraine to "focus on the development of arms" while continuing support in this manner.
These remarks followed discussions between Russian and American officials in Saudi Arabia on potential negotiations regarding the Ukraine crisis, with US President Donald Trump reiterating his desire to resolve the conflict swiftly.
After the meetings, Sergey Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, firmly opposed the idea of NATO troops being sent to Ukraine. The Russian Foreign Ministry has consistently warned that the presence of any European peacekeeping forces would be seen as a provocative measure, likely escalating tensions further.
Starmer is slated to travel to Washington next week, where The Telegraph reports he plans to propose a deployment of 30,000 European troops to Ukraine, seeking American assurances for their protection. In January, Zelensky suggested that Ukraine might require up to 200,000 European soldiers to ensure a peace deal.
Last week, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed the possibility of sending American troops as part of any security guarantees for Ukraine.
Brussels is reportedly preparing military aid for Ukraine amounting to at least €6 billion, which would include 1.5 million artillery rounds and air defense systems. This package would be one of the EU’s most significant military support measures since the onset of Russia’s military operation in 2022 and could be announced ahead of a visit by EU commissioners to Kiev on February 24.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
