Ukraine eyes foreign troop support as security talks set for Friday

Ukraine is set to hold in-depth talks with a select group of foreign allies this Friday to discuss the formation of a military contingent that could serve as a security guarantee under a future ceasefire agreement.

Ukraine is preparing to host a critical meeting this Friday with a narrow group of allied nations to discuss their potential involvement in a future multinational security force. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the talks would move beyond earlier consultations and enter the phase of "in-depth" planning.

The proposed contingent—according to Zelenskyy, would be multi-dimensional, with land, air, and naval components. Its mission: to act as a stabilising force under a potential ceasefire, offering Ukraine the long-sought security guarantees against future Russian aggression.

The initiative faces open resistance from Russia but is gaining traction among Ukraine’s European allies. Some have already expressed willingness to contribute troops under a formal ceasefire agreement. The UK, France, and Ukraine’s own military leadership are expected to meet in the coming days to expand what London described as "real momentum" in bolstering Kyiv’s long-term defence.

Germany’s foreign minister joined Zelenskyy at the press conference, where the Ukrainian leader said he was still waiting for “more concrete” answers from partners on their level of commitment.

While Zelenskyy discussed military architecture, he also pointed to the broader question looming over the talks: what the Ukrainian army will look like in the years ahead.

In parallel with troop discussions, geopolitical dynamics are rapidly shifting. U.S. President Donald Trump, who took office in January—has reoriented Washington’s posture. His administration brokered a limited halt in strikes on energy infrastructure between Ukraine and Russia last week. Yet both sides now accuse the other of violating it.

Zelenskyy urged the United States to increase sanctions on Russia, citing Washington’s own private acknowledgment of Russian violations. Moscow, in turn, has accused Ukraine of continuing its attacks, allegations Kyiv denies.

Meanwhile, a separate layer of tension is emerging over resources. The U.S. recently proposed a wide-reaching minerals agreement with Ukraine. According to a Reuters-reviewed draft, the deal would give Washington access to Ukraine’s natural resource income for several years—a condition that has drawn scrutiny.

Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that Ukrainian and American teams were working on a draft, but added that Kyiv would need to nominate a legal firm to manage the process, a decision expected soon.

The stakes are high: military security, economic sovereignty, and the future configuration of Ukraine’s defence all hang in the balance.

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