What New Airspace Protection Format Did Ukraine Propose?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ukraine proposes new airspace protection format
- Coalition of 26 countries pledges military support
- US approves missile sales to Ukraine
- Macron announces reassurance force deployment
- Zelensky advocates for increased security guarantees
Kyiv, Sep 5 (NationPress) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukraine has suggested a new approach to the US for safeguarding its airspace.
"Ukraine has put forward a proposal for the protection of our skies for the US to evaluate," Zelensky stated on Thursday via a post on X following his discussion with US President Donald Trump. He noted that they explored avenues to advance genuine peace.
As per Zelensky's press office, the dialogue with Trump occurred after a gathering of the "Coalition of the Willing" in Paris, where European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and various European leaders were also present.
During a press conference after the meeting, French President Emmanuel Macron revealed that 26 nations, primarily from Europe, have officially committed to sending troops as part of a forthcoming ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, although they will not be positioned directly on the front lines, according to Xinhua.
Macron mentioned that these countries would establish a "reassurance force" that could provide military presence in Ukraine or offer support on land, at sea, or in the air.
Zelensky praised this declaration as a "tangible" advancement and emphasized that a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whether one-on-one or trilateral, is essential for progressing peace discussions.
Regarding the recent US approval for the sale of 3,350 air-launched Extended-Range Attack Munitions system missiles to Ukraine, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova commented that this US action contradicts its stated desire to resolve the conflict in Ukraine diplomatically.
Russia has repeatedly asserted that military aid to Ukraine will merely "extend its suffering" and could escalate the conflict, she added.
The discussions in Paris occur amid stagnant efforts to broker a peace deal with Russia.
Following a meeting with Putin in Alaska last month and subsequent talks with Zelensky and European leaders in Washington, Trump has advocated for a bilateral summit between the Kremlin leaders and the Ukrainian President.
Putin has hesitated to agree to a meeting.
On Wednesday, he questioned the necessity of such a gathering with the Ukrainian leader this week but hinted it might occur in Moscow.
During a recent interview, Trump expressed skepticism about the potential Putin-Zelensky meeting but showed optimism about orchestrating a three-way discussion involving both Presidents and himself.
"Something is on the horizon, but they are not prepared yet. However, we will make it happen," the President asserted.
Zelensky remarked that officials during the "Coalition of the Willing" meeting deliberated each nation's readiness to contribute to security guarantees for Ukraine.
"We coordinated our positions and examined elements of security guarantees. I am thankful to everyone for realizing that the primary security guarantee is a robust Ukrainian army," he added.
"Support for Ukraine must be amplified, and pressure on Russia must be escalated," the Ukrainian leader stated.
"Preparations for the 19th EU sanctions package are in progress. Japan is also developing sanctions measures."