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French ambassador to Russia Nicolas de Rivière told RTVI that Moscow's request for security guarantees is legitimate, while saying Ukraine also needs such protection. He called for a ceasefire and for European governments to take part in shaping any settlement, citing their roles in sanctions, reconstruction and security arrangements. Kyiv Post reported that Ukraine warned talks on guarantees could expand into a broader security arrangement between Europe and Russia. Russia has tied its guarantee demands to limits on Ukraine's defence and foreign policy, including opposition to foreign troops on Ukrainian soil and NATO membership, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko's February remarks to Izvestia. France has proposed a multinational force that would deploy at Ukraine's request after a credible halt to hostilities. Kyiv Post also reported that Zelensky said Europe needed to be a regular participant in negotiations affecting its security, and that European representatives would join the next round of peace talks.