France responded firmly to Russia's demand for the demilitarization of Ukraine.

France supports a ceasefire in Ukraine

French Defense Minister Sebastian Lecornu stated that France supports a ceasefire in Ukraine, but does not support the idea of demilitarizing the Ukrainian army. He believes that the Ukrainian army is the main guarantee of security for the country, as enshrined in the constitution.

Lecornu also noted that modern Europe is experiencing a 'new period' in its history, which differs from the Cold War and the Time of 'peace dividends'. States are now competing for global influence.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously stated that his goal is 'demilitarization and denazification' of Ukraine. Russia proposed to reduce the number of the Ukrainian army to 50,000 personnel and to prohibit the development and acquisition of missile systems with a range of over 250 km during its military aggression against Ukraine.

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, after the war, Ukraine will maintain the necessary quantitative structure of its army to protect its interests. If Ukraine does not join NATO, it will have an army of more than one and a half million personnel. Currently, the Armed Forces of Ukraine number about 880,000 servicemen, making them the largest army in Europe.

At the Paris Defense and Strategy Forum in Paris, which took place on March 11, issues of creating international security forces after the war in Ukraine were discussed. Military leaders from over 30 countries participated in the meeting.