Zelensky Urges Allies for Security Guarantees and Deployment of Foreign Troops in Ukraine

 Starmer has urged a U.S. security backstop to ensure lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine in the ongoing three-year war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday that he had urged Kyiv’s Western allies to take a clear stance on security guarantees, including the possibility of deploying foreign troops in Ukraine with U.S. backing.

His remarks followed a virtual meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other European leaders, during which Starmer emphasized that a "coalition of the willing" would help secure Ukraine "on land, at sea, and in the sky" if a peace deal with Russia were reached.

"We need to continue working on the contingents that will form the foundation of Europe's future Armed Forces," Zelensky posted on X, alongside an image from the meeting. "Peace will be more reliable with European contingents on the ground and the American side as a backstop."

Starmer has also called for a U.S. security backstop to ensure lasting peace in the three-year conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that he supported, in principle, U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine but insisted that Russia would continue fighting until key conditions were met.

Zelensky urged European leaders to reject Putin’s opposition to European peacekeepers in Ukraine, blaming the Russian leader for obstructing peace efforts.

"A ceasefire could have already happened, but Russia is doing everything to prevent it," he said.