PARIS: British and French military leaders visited Kyiv this week to discuss how to reinforce the Ukrainian military and support the country in the aftermath of its conflict with Russia, according to France’s Thierry Burkhard on Saturday.
On Friday, Burkhard, along with British Chief of the Defence Staff Tony Radakin, met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky, and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are leading European efforts to send a "reassurance force" to Ukraine once the fighting triggered by Russia’s invasion in 2022 comes to an end.
Ukraine has expressed that Russia is not interested in a ceasefire.
This visit by the French and British military leaders coincided with a tragic Russian missile strike in Zelensky’s home city of Kryvyi Rih, which claimed the lives of at least 18 individuals, including nine children, according to local authorities.
Zelensky described the meeting with Burkhard and Radakin as “fundamental.” He stated, “We are discussing our military presence on land, in the air, and at sea, along with air defense and various other sensitive topics,” without providing further details.
Ukrainian drones also reportedly attacked an industrial facility in Russia’s Mordovia, as confirmed by the governor.
Zelensky mentioned that military meetings would occur weekly, emphasizing that their partners are increasingly aware of Ukraine’s needs.
Burkhard highlighted that they had deliberated "reassurance options" that could be provided through an international coalition. “Our aim is to ensure a lasting and solid peace in Ukraine, which is vital for the security of Europe,” he shared on social media.
The main purpose of the joint visit was to “maintain strong support” for the Ukrainian forces so they can keep defending against Russian aggression, he noted. Additionally, the leaders aimed to establish a long-term strategy for rebuilding and transforming the Ukrainian military.
