Xinhua News Agency, London, August 31 (Reporter Zheng Bofei) According to a report by the Financial Times on August 31, European Commission President von der Leyen said in an interview with the newspaper that many European countries are preparing to send troops to Ukraine to formulate specific plans as an important part of Ukraine's security guarantee.

Von der Leyen told the Financial Times that a defense ministerial meeting held a few days before the Ukrainian-backed Volunteer Alliance, led by France and the United Kingdom, discussed the necessities of forming a multinational force and developed ¡°pretty concrete plans¡±, according to the report, with three informed diplomats as sources, on the invitation of French President Macron, Von der Leyen and German Prime Minister Merts, British Prime Minister Stammer and NATO Secretary-General Luther will continue to discuss the issue in Paris on September 4.

According to the report, the force will be led by Europe, numbering tens of thousands, and the United States will provide support in terms of command control system, intelligence, surveillance, etc. This arrangement was reached on August 18 during the meeting between Trump and President of Ukraine Zelensky and several European leaders in the United States White House.

The report pointed out that after the Russian-Ukrainian conflict ends, the military deployment of Western countries in Ukraine will provide support to the Ukrainian army, which will form the core of the "deterrent force" against Russia.

Von der Leyen also said that the EU will explore new financing channels to provide sustainable financial support to the Ukrainian army, continue to fund Ukraine to maintain considerable troops and modern equipment, and train Ukrainian soldiers after Russia and Ukraine reach a peace agreement. The EU encourages member states to use the 150 billion euro arms procurement fund to carry out joint production with Ukrainian defense companies, or to purchase weapons for gifts to Uzbekistan.

Russia has repeatedly expressed its opposition to NATO countries deploying troops inside Ukraine.