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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy convened with British and French military leadership in Kyiv on Saturday to explore the possibility of establishing a multinational peacekeeping force, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s hesitation to provide security assurances.

British defense officials discussed the potential force’s framework and composition, with Defense Staff Chief Adm. Antony Radakin expressing Britain’s commitment to enhance Ukraine’s military capabilities and strengthen its position against Russian aggression.

The talks serve as preparation for upcoming defense minister meetings in Brussels and with the Ukraine Defense Contact Group later in the week.

Britain champions the concept of a European-led peacekeeping initiative for Ukraine following a potential ceasefire, though maintains that U.S. backing is essential for credibility against possible Russian retaliation.

Establishing an effective deterrent force, estimated between 10,000 to 30,000 troops, presents a significant challenge for nations that reduced their military presence after the Cold War but are now rebuilding their forces.

Trump, who advocates for a ceasefire in Ukraine, has suspended military assistance to Kyiv and consistently opposed Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations.

Meanwhile, the devastating toll from Russia’s missile attack on Kryvyi Rih has increased to 18 fatalities, including nine children, according to regional Governor Serhii Lysak. The strike wounded 72 people, with the youngest victim only three months old. Half remain hospitalized, 17 in critical condition.

“There can never be forgiveness for this,” said Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the city’s defense council. “Eternal memory to the victims.”

The attack struck Zelenskyy’s hometown, with the president noting on Telegram: “The missile struck an area right next to residential buildings – hitting a playground and ordinary streets.”

The strike damaged approximately 20 apartment buildings, over 30 vehicles, an educational facility, and a restaurant.

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed the precision strike targeted a restaurant meeting of unit commanders and Western instructors, allegedly killing 85 military personnel and foreign officers while destroying 20 vehicles. These claims remain unverified and were rejected by Ukrainian military leadership.

A subsequent drone attack on Kryvyi Rih claimed one life and injured seven others.

Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting 51 of 92 Russian drones overnight, with 31 additional decoy drones failing to reach their targets.

In occupied Horlivka, Donetsk region, Russian-installed Governor Denis Pushilin reported one fatality from shelling. Russian security officials claimed destroying 28 Ukrainian drones over Donetsk, marking the region’s first experience with such long-range attacks.

Zelenskyy attributed the ongoing strikes to Russia’s war persistence, stating: “Every missile, every drone strike proves Russia wants only war,” while urging allies to intensify pressure on Moscow and strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses.

The Ukrainian president also expressed disappointment with U.S. Ambassador Bridget A. Brink’s social media response to the Kryvyi Rih attack. “Such a strong country, such a strong people – and such a weak reaction. They are even afraid to say the word ‘Russian’ when talking about the missile that killed children,” he remarked, while commending other nations for their stronger condemnations.

“Yes, the war must end. But in order to end it, we must not be afraid to call a spade a spade,” he concluded.