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France intends to propose to European countries the creation of shared stockpiles of weapons on European territory, which could be supplied to Ukraine if needed, in order to deter Moscow from launching a new attack.
This was stated by Minister of the Armed Forces of France Sébastien Lecornu on Thursday in an interview with Franceinfo, as reported by Ukrinform.
“Security guarantees include several potential levels. The issue of stockpiling weapons in Europe for Ukraine is a means of deterrence if the war resumes,” he explained, adding that France will bring this idea to the negotiating table with other European countries.
According to Lecornu, Russia will remain a threat to Europe, so creating such stockpiles of weapons and ammunition would also allow European nations to sustain their defense industries even after hostilities in Ukraine have ended.
Regarding the debate over the potential deployment of European troops in Ukraine to ensure a future ceasefire, Lecornu acknowledged that there is a “framework for reflection, which involves having peacekeeping forces once the guns fall silent.”
However, Lecornu emphasized that Ukraine’s own military remains the best guarantee of its security.
“What is also at stake in the current discussions is ensuring that the Ukrainian Armed Forces remain capable of defending the country not only now but even after the fighting stops,” the minister explained.
As previously reported, discussions regarding the presence of foreign contingents in Ukraine as part of peace guarantees should also focus on securing Ukraine’s sea and airspace, not just its land territory.
