Moscow [Russia], March 12: On March 11, more than 30 chiefs of staff from America's closest allies, excluding representatives from the Pentagon, attended a meeting in Paris to discuss issues related to peacekeeping forces and building deterrence capabilities when a ceasefire is established in Ukraine.
The Paris meeting brought together 34 chiefs of staff , including NATO and European Union (EU) allies as well as Australia and Japan, to discuss Ukraine's defense capabilities . According to Reuters, this is perhaps the first time the US has not participated in such a meeting.
The Chiefs of Staff discussed options and capabilities to ensure Ukraine's security when the ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine is implemented. They discussed the possibility of creating a peacekeeping force from European countries, and maintaining Ukraine's long-term military capabilities.
"The political message here is that we can do it together and without the United States, but there are clearly things we cannot do, and the issue with Russia is that we need to have deterrence," Reuters quoted a European diplomat involved in the dialogue efforts as saying. The diplomat added that the meeting was mainly to plan ahead for what might happen in the future.
An unnamed military official revealed that the US was not invited, in order to show that Europe and its partners could take on their responsibilities after US President Donald Trump chose to alienate allies.
Officials say the presence of countries like Japan and Australia reflects unrest among traditional allies with Washington.
The meeting in Paris also marked an effort by Britain and France to rally countries ready to defend Ukraine by forming a force to protect and deter Russia, according to AP.
The US side has not commented.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
