The war in Ukraine continues to dominate global discussions, with leaders seeking solutions to end the conflict.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared his thoughts on what it would take to secure peace.
He said that at least 200,000 European soldiers would be needed to serve as peacekeepers on Ukraine's eastern front, reports The Kyiv Independent.
According to Zelensky, anything less would not be enough to enforce a peace deal.
Zelensky's remarks come as U.S. President Donald Trump has pledged to quickly negotiate an end to the war.
However, no detailed plan has been presented yet. Zelensky suggested that such a deal would likely require European peacekeepers to maintain stability.
He also noted that Trump intends to consult with Russian President Vladimir Putin and arrange a meeting with Ukraine.
During the panel, Zelensky spoke about the significant difference in military strength between Ukraine and Russia.
He pointed out that Russia has the capacity to deploy 1.5 million troops, while Ukraine has 800,000 and France has just 200,000.
Zelensky firmly rejected Russia's demands to reduce the size of Ukraine’s military as part of any peace agreement.
The U.S. has so far shared few specifics about its peace strategy. President Trump’s administration has stated it aims to protect Ukraine’s independence.
However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned that both Ukraine and Russia would need to compromise to reach a deal.
Zelensky also emphasized the need for Europe to stand united against Russian aggression. He noted that battles involving North Korean soldiers are geographically closer to Davos than Pyongyang, underscoring the threat to Europe’s security.
He urged Europe to become a stronger global player, adding that while the U.S. remains a vital ally, it questions Europe’s ability to contribute to global security.
French President Emmanuel Macron has been a key advocate for a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. Zelensky has been in talks with several European leaders about the plan.
During a recent visit to Kyiv, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged Britain’s full support in maintaining lasting peace in Ukraine.
