Zelenskyy Call for 200,000 Troops for Peace

January 22, 2025: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for deploying a minimum of 200,000 allied troops to secure any potential peace deal with Russia, emphasizing the need for Europe to strengthen its self-reliance in defense. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Zelenskyy warned that Europe must act decisively as Russia intensifies its aggression, supported by North Korean forces engaging in battles near Ukraine’s borders.

Zelenskyy highlighted the proximity of these conflicts to European territories, urging leaders to prioritize collective security measures. He dismissed Kremlin demands to significantly reduce Ukraine’s army, reiterating his commitment to maintaining the nation’s defense capabilities. He proposed that the best assurance for peace would involve Ukraine’s integration into NATO, a stance facing opposition from countries like the U.S., Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia.

The president detailed the structure of an international peacekeeping mission, insisting that anything less than 200,000 personnel would be inadequate. Recent diplomatic engagements with European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Labour leader Keir Starmer, have explored the feasibility of such a mission. While the UK pledged robust support, it stopped short of committing troops on the ground.

Zelenskyy underlined the critical need for enhanced investment in military technology, including drones and air defense systems, to counter Russia’s mobilization of over 600,000 troops in Ukraine. He warned that failure to deter Russian advances would embolden Vladimir Putin to target other nations, transforming Russia into a dominant military force.

Amid discussions with global leaders, Zelenskyy also revealed ongoing efforts to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has pledged to resolve the conflict swiftly. However, Zelenskyy cautioned that any ceasefire would require robust security guarantees to prevent future escalations.

Addressing Europe’s broader defense strategy, he urged nations to unite against the common threat, warning that neglecting to act decisively could have severe consequences for the region’s stability.