NATO Troop Deployment Plans for Ukraine Discussed by US Envoy
Keith Kellogg outlines potential NATO military presence in Ukraine amid ongoing conflict.
Washington is engaging in discussions with European NATO allies regarding the deployment of military contingents to Ukraine as part of a potential post-conflict settlement.
Keith Kellogg, the special envoy of former US President Donald Trump, indicated that nations such as France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Poland could contribute to what he referred to as a "resiliency force."
This coalition, initially identified as the E3, has reportedly expanded to include Poland, prompting Kellogg to label it the E4.
He stated that any military personnel would be stationed west of the Dnieper River, thus remaining "outside the contact zone." He emphasized the planned presence of a peacekeeping force to the east of the river to monitor a possible ceasefire and ensure adherence to any negotiated terms.
These remarks emerged in the context of preparations for anticipated direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, potentially taking place in Istanbul.
Kellogg, alongside Steve Witkoff, another senior envoy, is expected to attend these talks.
This initiative follows a proposal from Russian President Vladimir Putin to conduct negotiations without preconditions on May 15.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed readiness to meet with Putin, contingent upon the establishment of a 30-day ceasefire.
However, Moscow has dismissed this suggestion, citing concerns that such a pause would allow Ukraine to regroup militarily.
In a separate development, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the UK, in conjunction with the European Union’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas, issued a joint statement committing to robust security guarantees for Ukraine.
This includes exploring the establishment of a coalition of air, land, and maritime reassurance forces to bolster confidence in any future peace agreement and to support the revitalization of Ukraine’s armed forces.
Russia has consistently opposed the deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov asserting that it would pose a direct threat to Russia.
Additionally, Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu has warned that such actions could lead to a significant escalation of conflict, potentially involving nuclear arms and triggering World War III.
Keith Kellogg, the special envoy of former US President Donald Trump, indicated that nations such as France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Poland could contribute to what he referred to as a "resiliency force."
This coalition, initially identified as the E3, has reportedly expanded to include Poland, prompting Kellogg to label it the E4.
He stated that any military personnel would be stationed west of the Dnieper River, thus remaining "outside the contact zone." He emphasized the planned presence of a peacekeeping force to the east of the river to monitor a possible ceasefire and ensure adherence to any negotiated terms.
These remarks emerged in the context of preparations for anticipated direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, potentially taking place in Istanbul.
Kellogg, alongside Steve Witkoff, another senior envoy, is expected to attend these talks.
This initiative follows a proposal from Russian President Vladimir Putin to conduct negotiations without preconditions on May 15.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed readiness to meet with Putin, contingent upon the establishment of a 30-day ceasefire.
However, Moscow has dismissed this suggestion, citing concerns that such a pause would allow Ukraine to regroup militarily.
In a separate development, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the UK, in conjunction with the European Union’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas, issued a joint statement committing to robust security guarantees for Ukraine.
This includes exploring the establishment of a coalition of air, land, and maritime reassurance forces to bolster confidence in any future peace agreement and to support the revitalization of Ukraine’s armed forces.
Russia has consistently opposed the deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov asserting that it would pose a direct threat to Russia.
Additionally, Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu has warned that such actions could lead to a significant escalation of conflict, potentially involving nuclear arms and triggering World War III.
