Emmanuel Macron proposed sending “reassurance forces” comprising troops from various European nations stationed at specific strategic points within Ukraine should a peace agreement be reached between Ukraine and Russia.
“These forces would serve as a deterrence against possible Russian aggression,” he stated to journalists at a press briefing after a crucial “Coalition of the Willing” summit for Ukraine took place in Paris on Thursday.
Nevertheless, these reassuring forces “do not serve as peacekeepers,” since they won’t take over from the Ukrainian Armed Forces nor will they be placed at the forefront; rather, they’ll be stationed in “strategic cities” and bases.
This proposal will be handled by our military chiefs of staff over the next few weeks to decide on “the layout and structure” of these deployments.
These reassuring forces would in no way substitute for or decrease our commitments within NATO’s eastern border,” Macrone emphasized, adding that “they would be supplementary.
‘Not a unanimous’ decision
The French leader stated that all countries present at the summit did not concur with this proposal. He mentioned, “There was no consensus,” but added, “We don’t require everyone’s agreement to make it happen.”
The issue of deploying soldiers to Ukraine has sparked significant rifts between EU and NATO member countries.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that their country will opt out of this initiative. Meanwhile, Poland’s former prime minister Donald Tusk mentioned earlier this month, “There are no plans for deploying Polish troops within Ukrainian borders.”
Although Macron indicated his desire for U.S. backing should Europe decide to deploy forces, he simultaneously highlighted the importance of being ready for a situation where Europe must act alone.
The French leader additionally declared the deployment of a ” Franco-British mission to Ukraine” aimed at “setting up the structure of the future Ukrainian military.” This initiative seeks to assess what kind of resources Kiev requires to deter potential additional assaults from Russia.
Repeating what he said on Wednesday evening, the French President emphasized again that now is not the appropriate time to remove sanctions imposed on Russia.
The statement follows the US announcing on Tuesday that it plans to begin easing certain sanctions on Moscow, specifically regarding agricultural commerce.
The aim of the summit was to establish a foundation for enduring security assurances and transform the Ukrainian military into the primary defense force against potential future attacks.
growing threat from Russia.
The gathering in Paris took place amidst
stepping up attempts to mediate a truce
, spurred by the urging of U.S. President Donald Trump to conclude Russia’s ongoing four-year conflict in Ukraine.
The US-mediated accords aimed at protecting navigation within the Black Sea and ceasing attacks on energy facilities were welcomed as an initial move toward tranquility. Nonetheless, both Russia and Ukraine have expressed dissent regarding certain aspects and blamed one another for non-compliance.
Even with the accord in place, the fighting continues unabated. According to Ukrainian news outlets on Thursday, over the past day, Russian assaults resulted in injuries for several dozen individuals and led to one fatality.
Zelenskyy stated that these assaults provide additional proof that the US and Europe ought not relax the sanctions imposed on Moscow.