Ukraine seeks postwar funding to maintain 800,000-strong army as one of security guarantees - media

Ukraine is seeking postwar financial assistance to sustain an 800,000-strong military force, according to AFP. A senior Ukrainian official disclosed that the nation requires at least ten years of funding to preserve a formidable army capable of defending itself against potential Russian aggression. The report highlights Russia's persistent demand for a reassessment of historical European security pacts, exemplified by the involvement of Sergei Ryabkov, a diplomat who delivered a stern ultimatum to Western nations to withdraw troops from Eastern Europe prior to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy, Jared Kushner, expressed optimism about crafting a fresh security framework encompassing Ukraine, Russia, and Europe that could ensure decades, if not centuries, of peace.

Russia's delegation emphasized that ending the conflict was a mere aspect of the agenda, with Moscow's paramount goal being the review of security measures for the entire continent. Ukraine, however, cautioned against the prospect of a "Yalta 2.0," alluding to the historical partition of Europe orchestrated by Western leaders and the Soviet Union following World War II.

The European Union contended that discussions on security arrangements should only transpire following a ceasefire. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine cautioned against Russia's ambitions during the preparatory talks.