Plan for Deployment of Foreign Peacekeeping Troops Is Mapped Out, Zelenskyy Says

Ukraine has prepared a plan for the deployment of partner forces as part of security measures aimed at preventing further Russian aggression following a potential ceasefire.

Speaking at the panel “Strategic Investment: The Future of US–Ukraine Security Cooperation,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian military officials have already developed a detailed map outlining the number and types of partner forces that could be stationed in the country.

According to Zelenskyy, discussions on the presence of peacekeeping forces have already taken place with US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He emphasized that security guarantees should involve both the United States and European nations collectively.

“Our military has already done its homework. I have not yet shared this with our allies, but we already have a map detailing the number and types of partner forces and their potential locations on Ukrainian territory,” Zelenskyy said.

He underlined the necessity of such a force in the event that NATO remains inaccessible to Ukraine, noting that a robust military presence would serve as a deterrent to further aggression.

Addressing Ukraine’s defense capabilities, Zelenskyy reiterated that the country requires an army of 1.5 million troops to counter potential threats from Russia. He cited the current size of the Russian military, which has reached a personnel strength of 1.5 million, with total armed forces exceeding 2.3 million.

To support such a force, Ukraine’s annual defense budget would need to be approximately $60 billion. Zelenskyy also highlighted Russia’s military restructuring, including the establishment of new military districts in Moscow and Leningrad, as well as troop deployments in Karelia, additional motorized rifle divisions, and airborne assault formations.

“Our forces currently consist of 110 combat brigades, while Russia has 220. If we aim for parity, we need 220 as well,” he said.

Zelenskyy stated that the planned deployment of partner forces would serve as part of Ukraine’s broader security framework. He stressed that these measures are essential to prevent future incursions and ensure long-term stability.

“We must approach this matter together, without separating Europe from the United States. Security guarantees should be comprehensive and unified,” he concluded.

Earlier, at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 21, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine would require at least 200,000 peacekeepers, primarily from European nations, to ensure security and prevent a renewed Russian attack. He emphasized that a smaller force would be ineffective given the scale of the Russian military.