European countries broadly agree on supporting the Ukrainian army against Russia, as it is seen as the primary guarantee of security for Kyiv, French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu said on Wednesday.
Lecornu dismissed the idea of “demilitarisation,” emphasising that long-term security for Ukraine lies in strengthening its military capabilities.
The French Defence Minister made the comments after a meeting in Paris with his German, British, Polish, and Italian counterparts.
Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz also highlighted Europe’s unity against the threat from the East, emphasising the need to help Ukraine to keep Russia at a distance.
Regarding the potential deployment of European troops in Ukraine to enforce a ceasefire, Lecornu stated that this was not currently under consideration and would depend on the specifics of the proposed mission.
The E5 format meeting of defence ministers followed a gathering of military chiefs from 34 nations, at which French President Emmanuel Macron urged the creation of credible security guarantees for Kyiv.
Lecornu explained that the ministers are tasked with developing options for a security architecture to support a sustainable ceasefire. He noted that around 15 countries are interested in continuing this process.
A new meeting with the defence ministers from all the concerned nations will be organised within the next 15 days, the French Defence Minister added.
