Defence ministers from around 30 countries met in Brussels on Thursday to discuss forming a potential reassurance force for Ukraine, should a ceasefire be reached with Russia.
The meeting, led by Britain and France, took place at NATO headquarters. It was part of ongoing talks among European nations on how to help secure Ukraine's future, especially if U.S.-led negotiations with Moscow succeed.
"Together we're stepping up as one," said British Defence Secretary John Healey, "ready to secure Ukraine’s future following any peace deal."
The group includes about 200 military planners, mostly from the UK and France, but also from other European allies. Discussions have covered land, air and sea operations, and how to further strengthen Ukraine’s defence.
France’s defence minister, Sebastien Lecornu, said the first priority was ensuring that Ukraine does not face demilitarisation under any agreement.
Many European officials believe Russian President Vladimir Putin is not ready for peace. Still, they want to show U.S. President Donald Trump that Europe is prepared to contribute if a ceasefire is brokered.
Trump has said Europe must take the lead in securing any post-war settlement. But so far, he has not guaranteed that U.S. forces would help with intelligence or logistics.
Several ministers said they were open to joining a reassurance force, but needed more clarity. That includes the mission’s goals, its rules of engagement, and how it would respond to any Russian escalation.
Sweden’s defence minister said participation wasn’t off the table, but more answers were needed. Dutch minister Ruben Brekelmans echoed that, saying countries must first understand the risks and responsibilities before committing troops.
World leaders return to the United Nations headquarters in New York on Friday...
Pope Leo XIV arrived in France on Friday for a four-day visit focused on artificial intelligence, the future of...
Ukrainian soldier’s daughter asks when he is coming home as war keeps families apart....
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained low on Thursday, as Iran reiterated that it will neither enter into new negotiations with the United States nor re-open the Strait as long as its conditions are not met, despite recent indirect talks in New York mediated by Qatar.
As the Ukraine war is highlighted by some leaders during the United Nations' 81st General Assembly meeting in New York, Russian forces attacked the Ukrainian capital Kyiv early on Thursday with ballistic missiles, killing two people and injuring six, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.
The 81st UN General Assembly continues in New York on Wednesday, with another day of high-level speeches and diplomatic meetings. The wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, global security and international cooperation remain at the centre of discussions.
The 81st UN General Assembly has wrapped up its third day in New York on Thursday, with world leaders delivering high-level speeches and holding diplomatic meetings.
Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan will hold an urgent high-level meeting under a joint defence pact to discuss ways to support the kingdom amid attacks by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis. The meeting comes as Tehran seeks to distance itself from the rapid advance of its Houthi allies.
World leaders return to the United Nations headquarters in New York on Friday for the fourth day of the high-level General Debate, with speeches and diplomatic meetings continuing throughout the day.
Pope Leo XIV arrived in France on Friday for a four-day visit focused on artificial intelligence, the future of Europe, peace and the Catholic Church's response to its abuse crisis.
Ukrainian soldier’s daughter asks when he is coming home as war keeps families apart.
Finland and Sweden deployed fighter aircraft on Thursday after a group of Russian military planes was detected over the Gulf of Finland, the Finnish Air Force reported on Friday (25 September).
The Middle East arrived at the United Nations this week with the consequences of a war that is no longer contained to one front. From Israel and Iran to Syria and Yemen, leaders have used the General Assembly to set out competing positions on the situation in the region.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment