Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky launched the idea of foreign troops being stationed in the country until its accession to NATO, Reuters reported.
He made his comments during a joint news conference in Kiev with German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, as Donald Trump's imminent return to the White House boosts talk of a possible deal to end the 33-month war with Russia.
Ukraine has repeatedly called for an offer to join NATO. Authorities in Kiev stress that the country needs security guarantees to prevent Russia from launching another invasion once current hostilities are halted.
According to Zelensky, a military contingent from one country or another can be present in Ukraine, as long as it is not part of NATO. According to him, however, Kyiv should have clarity on when it will become a member of the Alliance.
French President Emmanuel Macron sparked controversy in Europe in February when he hinted at the possibility of European nations sending troops to Ukraine.
Even if they invite us (to NATO), what will happen then? Who guarantees our security? We can think about it and work on Emmanuel Macron's proposal, Zelensky noted. He indicated that he hopes to discuss Ukraine's NATO membership with Joe Biden in the coming days. The Ukrainian president emphasized that there is no point in discussing the issue with Donald Trump, as he has not yet taken office.
Russia is demanding that Ukraine abandon its NATO ambitions and sees Kiev's membership in the alliance as a threat to its security.