First line of defence How the west might offer support

European leaders yesterday held a virtual conference call to discuss what security guarantees they could give to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal with Russia.

- Luke Harding

What security guarantees might Ukraine get? Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the details will be worked out and "formalised on paper" within a week to 10 days. As many as 30 countries - dubbed the coalition of the willing - are likely to be involved, with some help from the US, although what that might mean is unclear. Speaking after his meeting on Monday with Donald Trump and European leaders in the White House, Zelenskyy said their support could take many forms.

One of those could be prysutnist (Ukrainian for presence), meaning they would provide troops. And it might include intelligence, as well as providing security in the air and on the Black Sea. Or they could provide funds instead, he said.

The key question is, which European governments are willing to take part in a peacekeeping mission inside Ukraine? The UK and France have indicated they are ready to send soldiers as part of a "reassurance force". Germany is more sceptical. Many details have yet to be worked out. Would western troops be stationed along a ceasefire line or provide a more limited training role in big cities? And what rules of engagement would they have if they came under Russian fire?