Ukraine repels Russian advances, eyes European troop support
President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Ukrainian forces thwarted Russian plans to occupy Kharkiv, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia, originally intended for the fall and winter of 2024.
The Ukrainian army successfully foiled Russian plans to occupy the key cities of Kharkiv, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia.
- In the fall and winter of 2024, three operations by the Russian Federation concerning the occupation of Kharkiv, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia were disrupted. I believe the soldiers proved themselves exceptionally well in these efforts. The country endured these challenges in 2024, - said Zelensky during an evening television program.
The president emphasized that Kharkiv, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia are Ukrainian cities, and their residents faced significant trials. - These are Ukrainian cities with Ukrainian people. I want to express my gratitude to the residents of these cities for enduring such significant trials - Zelensky noted.
European troops in Ukraine?
The Ukrainian leader also addressed the proposal by French President Emmanuel Macron about the possibility of deploying French troops in Ukraine.
- I think you've heard about President Emmanuel Macron's initiative regarding the deployment of a French contingent on Ukrainian territory. We support this initiative, but involvement from France alone is not sufficient. We prefer the participation of more than just one or two countries in this effort. Ultimately, this should align with NATO's direction. This proposal does not exclude Ukraine's future within NATO - he stated.
According to the president, sending a European contingent to Ukraine may also receive support from the United Kingdom "and several other countries, which we have agreed not to discuss publicly, as they fear speaking out due to potential Russian influence." Zelensky noted that it remains uncertain whether the United States would participate in such forces, as reported by the Interfax-Ukraine agency.
