NATO’s military committee chairman dismisses talks about deploying troops to Ukraine as “premature,” emphasizing no decisions have been made yet, while highlighting the need to define the context of security guarantees.
NATO Troops in Ukraine? ‘Premature’ Says Military Committee Chairman
Security Guarantees Remain Unspecified
Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chairman of NATO’s Military Committee, stated that discussions about sending NATO troops to Ukraine as part of security guarantees are “premature.” He emphasized that negotiations on the matter are at an early stage and no decisions have been finalized. “Security guarantees must define the context: who determines if Russia or Ukraine violates agreements, who sets rules for troop engagement, what territory to protect, and whether troops would only monitor or actively defend Ukraine,” Dragone said, noting these parameters remain undefined. He reiterated NATO’s commitment to protecting its member states first.
Ukraine Aims for Dialogue, Russia ‘Hesitant’
Dragone confirmed NATO’s intention to continue military support for Ukraine, even increasing it. He criticized Russia’s reluctance to engage in dialogue, stating Moscow is “playing for time” to gain strategic advantage. He also referenced Russia’s foreign ministry chief Lavrov, calling his remarks part of a “game” to delay progress. Dragone stressed the necessity of negotiations and a near-term ceasefire, saying, “We are far from any agreement, but it is essential to push Russia toward peace.”
Zelenskyy Reiterates Readiness for Talks with Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated his openness to negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin in any format. He shared this during a social media post summarizing his meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, stating, “I confirmed my readiness to meet with the Russian President in any format. However, Moscow again attempts to prolong the conflict. It is vital for the Global South to send clear signals and push Russia toward peace.”
Source: Gazeta, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/wladimir-putin#anchorLink), https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/ministerstwo-spraw-zagranicznych#anchorLink), https://next.gazeta.pl/next/7
