PARIS (AP) – Military officials from more than 30 countries will take part in Paris’ consultations over the creation of Ukraine’s international security forces, French military officials said Monday.
Such international forces aim to discourage Russia from launching another attack after the ceasefire in Ukraine comes into effect.
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The long list of participants in Tuesday’s discussions also includes Asian and Oceania countries participating remotely, French officials said. The international composition of the conference shows that France and the UK are throwing their nets as they aim to build what French officials described as part of their efforts to protect Ukraine in the events of the ceasefire.
French officials, on condition of anonymity, spoke to the Associated Press to discuss the secret forces and the blueprint for Paris consultations that take into account them.
The forces envisaged by France and the UK are aiming to reassure Ukraine and stop another large-scale Russian attack after the ceasefire, officials said. Officials could include stockpiling heavy weapons and weapons that could rush within hours or days to help Ukraine’s defense if the Russian attack was crushed, officials said.
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FRANCE – The UK blueprint will be presented to military officials from more than 30 countries in the first part of Tuesday’s talks, officials said.
The second part of the consultation will involve participants being invited to say whether and how the military can contribute to a “more accurate and concrete” discussion, officials said.
“Not so, ‘This is what we need,’ officials said. “That’s it, ‘What are you bringing in the pot?”
However, the formula emphasized that the ultimate decision on whether or not the state will join the military will be taken at a political level by government leaders.
Almost all the Army Secretaries or their representatives of 32 countries of the NATO Military Alliance will attend consultations in Paris. The notable exception is the United States.
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Officials said the US was not invited as they wanted to demonstrate that European countries could be held responsible for most of Ukraine’s post-frequency security frameworks.
Also present are the Chiefs of Staff of Ireland and Cyprus and Austrian representatives. This is not a NATO member, but every country in the European Union.
Federal countries Australia and New Zealand, as well as Japan and South Korea, will listen to the consultations remotely, officials said.
Ukraine is represented by military officials who are also members of the country’s security council.