France proposes weapons depots in Europe as a security guarantee for Ukraine

France proposes weapons depots in Europe as a security guarantee for Ukraine AFP • 12 hours • 1 minute reading time France wants to propose to its EU partners the construction of weapons depots in European countries as part of the security guarantees for Ukraine. "This is one way to prevent the war from flaring up again," French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu told France Info on Thursday. France will put forward this idea "so that various European countries can get involved." The construction of depots with weapons that could be made available to Ukraine if necessary should act as a deterrent and enable the country to remain capable of defending itself. According to information from those close to the minister, the planned weapons depots are also intended to maintain the vigilance of European states and the activity of their arms industry after a ceasefire. "The security guarantees for Ukraine will have several possible layers," added Lecornu. The deployment of peacekeepers is also being discussed. "It is about securing the ceasefire as soon as it comes into force," explained the minister. However, the best security guarantee for Ukraine remains the Ukrainian army. It must be ensured that it can defend the country even after a ceasefire comes into force.