Defense leaders of NATO engage in a frank dialogue about ensuring security assurances for Ukraine
In a significant development, NATO defense chiefs held a video conference on Wednesday to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine. The meeting, chaired by Italian Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, the chair of NATO's Military Committee, saw the participation of key military figures such as U.S. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's supreme allied commander Europe, and U.S. Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The role of the U.S. in the potential security force for Ukraine remains unclear. However, it was reported that Trump has ruled out sending U.S. troops to help defend Ukraine against Russia.
The discussions centred around the provision of military assistance, including weapons and training, to Ukraine to strengthen its defenses. This comes after a series of attacks on civilian areas in Sumy and Odesa overnight, which injured 15 people, including a family with three small children. Russian strikes also targeted ports and fuel and energy infrastructure.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed opposition to security arrangements for Ukraine being made without Moscow's involvement. Russia has stated it will not accept NATO troops in Ukraine and has vowed to "ensure (its) legitimate interests firmly and harshly" in relation to Ukraine.
In a bid to ease tensions, Switzerland could potentially host a Putin-Zelenskyy summit. However, Putin's ability to travel abroad is limited due to a warrant from the International Criminal Court.
Canada's chief of the defense staff Gen. Jennie Carignan and Col. Francois Chamberland, Canada's deputy military representative at NATO, also participated in the virtual talks. A coalition of 30 countries, including European nations, Japan, and Australia, has signed up to support an initiative to set up a force that could backstop any peace agreement in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that strong security guarantees are needed to ensure a truly secure and lasting peace. He also emphasised that the strikes confirm the need for pressure on Moscow and new sanctions.
It's worth noting that Germany has signalled its willingness to participate in security guarantees in the context of a possible peace settlement, but concrete details and contributions are yet to be finalised. Hungary has expressed readiness to facilitate peace talks, but this does not currently involve a security force. No countries have officially signed up for the formation of a security troop to support a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia.
The structure of the potential security force for Ukraine is also under discussion among military chiefs. As the situation develops, more details are expected to emerge regarding the international community's response to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
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