It would be a “major mistake” to deploy British, French and other allied troops to guarantee Ukraine’s security without involving the US, the Ukrainian president has told Sky News.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy even said such a move would “give Russia an advantage”, signalling that he did not believe a European-only option to deter future Russian aggression in the wake of any potential ceasefire deal with Moscow would be strong enough.
The president also had a warning for London and other NATO member states to spend now on strengthening their militaries or risk finding themselves in Ukraine’s position – at war and forced to invest its whole budget on defence.
Mr Zelenskyy was speaking after a meeting in Kyiv with David Lammy, the UK foreign secretary.
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As the two men sat down for their discussion, though, Sky News asked the Ukrainian leader whether ceasefire talks with Russia would need to start in the coming weeks.
Speaking in English, Mr Zelenskyy said: “First of all, we have to manage our meeting and our own plans with the US, Europe, European leaders, our partners.
“We have to have a common agenda between us, then share it even with the enemy. In any way step by step.”
One possible step that is being discussed by the UK, France and a number of other European allies is the potential deployment of an international force to Ukraine to provide security guarantees that Russia would not attack again following a peace deal.
It is still only an idea but is increasingly being talked about.
At the news conference following the meeting with Mr Lammy, Mr Zelenskyy was asked whether he believed European militaries alone had the strength to deter Russia or whether only an international force that included the United States would be credible.
The president, speaking in Ukrainian, said: “When we talk about this, is Europe enough? No. Because this isn’t just a matter of numbers. It’s about sharing responsibility and ensuring security guarantees.”
He continued: “This cannot be pursued without the involvement of the United States. Doing so would be a major mistake. It could very well be Russia’s desire to see Europe defending and supporting Ukraine without the US. That would give Russia an advantage, and I believe it could amount to a geopolitical and strategic win for them.”
He added: “When we talk about security guarantees, we need the United States as the primary guarantor of security, alongside European countries. The European Union plus the United Kingdom – these European nations are crucial for us.”
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Donald Trump has said he will end the war in Ukraine, though he has not explained how. He plans to speak with Vladimir Putin and his team is talking to Mr Zelensky’s side.
Even if the US did agree to contribute to an international security force as part of a ceasefire deal, it would still be a huge undertaking for the UK and other European partners.
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Analysts question whether Britain’s military would be able to take on the role in a credible way without a serious increase in defence spending and regrowing its shrunken forces.
Mr Trump has said NATO allies should spend 5% of GDP on defence – more than double the level that the UK invests.
Asked whether he thought the UK and other European allies needed to increase their military expenditure, Ukraine’s president said: “I don’t know how much you need to contribute – two percent, three percent. But listen, we are spending our entire budget right now.
“I think that’s your answer. If you don’t want to be spending your entire budget on defence in the future, invest the necessary percentage today and take steps to strengthen your defence now.”
