Turkey on Thursday said it was ready to participate in a “reassurance force” to be deployed in Ukraine after any eventual peace deal with Russia.

“The Turkish Armed Forces are prepared to contribute to any initiative aimed at ensuring security and stability in our region,” the defense ministry said.

“First and foremost, a ceasefire must be established between Russia and Ukraine. Then, a mission framework, with a clear definition of objectives, as well as the contribution of each country, must be determined,” it added.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday announced a new joint task force, intended to map out the multinational “reassurance force” that will be offered as a “second line of defense” after a ceasefire.