U.S. rallies Europe for coordinated security in Ukraine
The United States has reached out to European countries to inquire about their potential contributions regarding security guarantees for Ukraine, Reuters reports, citing Finnish President Alexander Stubb. One diplomat mentioned that the document queries about the number of soldiers Europe is willing to deploy on Ukrainian territory.
Four European sources indicated that the United States has sent a questionnaire to European countries concerning potential future contributions from European military forces. Two stated that the questionnaire was sent at the start of this week. The document contains six questions, including one directed specifically at European Union countries.
The British newspaper "Financial Times" reported that Washington has asked its European allies for information on weapons, peacekeeping troops, and security arrangements that they can guarantee for Ukraine.
In a conversation with Reuters on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, President Stubb remarked that the survey aims to compel Europeans to reflect and decide on whether they will respond to the questionnaire and if that response will be unified.
U.S. initiative
Earlier, a U.S. State Department spokesperson stated that Washington "has been clear that we expect European partners to take the lead in establishing a durable security framework and look forward to their proposals."
Reuters, citing a French official, reported on Saturday that France is in discussions with its allies about organising an informal summit of European leaders to address Ukraine issues. Four European diplomats confirmed that the meeting is to take place on Monday in Paris.
