As Ukraine endures the ongoing conflict with Russia, discussions around securing the nation have intensified. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas has proposed a peacekeeping force from EU member states to enforce a potential ceasefire, with support possibly coming from countries like France and the Baltic states. This proposal arises amidst concerns of a policy shift in the US with Donald Trump's potential return to power, which may influence negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
Meanwhile, former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg suggests that temporary territorial concessions by Ukraine to Russia could expedite the end of the war, provided Ukraine receives security guarantees, potentially through NATO membership. This idea resonates with the backdrop of a significant rise in global arms sales, driven by the conflicts in Ukraine and elsewhere.
On a different front, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned about the potential deployment of North Korean soldiers by Russia, describing them as "cannon fodder". Concurrently, the EU has delivered over a million artillery shells to Ukraine, fulfilling previous commitments but acknowledging the need for more supplies.
The notion of nuclear armament has also resurfaced, with Ukraine contemplating its options to ensure national security. Although the idea of developing nuclear weapons remains speculative and complex, it underscores Ukraine's pursuit of credible security guarantees following the perceived failures of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum.
These developments highlight Ukraine's strategic maneuvers in seeking international support and fortifying its defense capabilities amidst an uncertain geopolitical landscape. As the conflict persists, Ukraine's quest for security continues to shape its diplomatic and military strategies.
