Zelensky: Partner troops will appear in Ukraine only after a ceasefire.

According to ТСН: President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that partner troops from the 'coalition of the willing' may only appear in Ukraine after the war ends or a ceasefire is reached. This coalition consists of 30 countries.

The head of state voiced these points during a response to journalists' questions.

“As for the contingent, defense in the sky, at sea, on land. I have talked about this: we have agreements with partners. Only a few details remain,”

— noted the President of Ukraine. He also announced that the agreement on the 'coalition of the willing' is already prepared, but not yet signed.

“Signing it and deploying any personnel from other countries, various means of defense, — all this will be only after a ceasefire. The 'coalition of the willing' will only operate at the moment of ceasefire. This means simply ceasefire or the end of the war,”

— emphasized Zelensky, adding that the agreement contains all the details about the readiness of the countries. The head of state promised to provide details later.

According to Axios, Russia has for the first time expressed readiness for a ceasefire to organize a referendum in Ukraine regarding the conditions of a possible peace agreement. Currently, the terms of the truce are being discussed (Ukraine proposes 60 days) and the issue of control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. American officials note that in the last two weeks, diplomacy has advanced more than in the previous year.

At the same time, in mid-December, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that Moscow would respond to any decision on sending foreign military contingents to Ukraine, emphasizing that the response is “already prepared.”

The situation around the possible introduction of foreign troops remains tense. The concept of the 'coalition of the willing' and negotiations on the peace process could significantly change the course of events in the region. Time will tell whether these negotiations will materialize or remain just on paper.