French President Emmanuel Macron has elaborated on potential missions for a military support force aimed at assisting Ukraine. This initiative, being developed jointly by Paris and London in collaboration with other nations, is referred to as a "coalition of the willing." The coalition may deploy following a ceasefire agreement with Russia.
In an address to French media prior to an online summit hosted by the U.K., Macron emphasized that the French-British proposal does not intend to deploy a large number of troops in Ukraine. Instead, it envisions the placement of military contingents at strategic locations across the country. According to Macron, contributing nations could each send several thousand troops to "key points" within Ukraine. These units would primarily focus on providing training and enhancing Ukrainian defenses, showcasing long-term support for Kyiv.
Macron's office was unable to provide a recording of the president’s remarks during his discussion with regional French newspapers. Nonetheless, reports from La Dépêche du Midi and Le Parisien indicate that Macron highlighted the role of NATO member countries in offering a "guarantee of security" for Ukraine. He noted that various European nations, as well as countries outside of Europe, have expressed interest in joining this effort once it receives formal confirmation.
Significantly, Macron asserted that Moscow's approval is not required for the deployment of foreign troops. "Ukraine is sovereign. If it requests Allied forces to be present on its territory, it is not for Russia to accept or reject," he stated. This assertion underscores the determination of Western leaders to support Ukraine’s sovereignty amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
During the two-hour virtual meeting on Saturday, U.K. leader Keir Starmer urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire if he is genuinely committed to peace. He added that allies would continue to exert pressure on the Kremlin, moving forward with planning for a peacekeeping force. Approximately 30 leaders participated in this call, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, alongside representatives from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, as well as officials from NATO and the European Union.
This meeting was the second convened within two weeks, aiming to adapt Ukraine's response strategy following changes in U.S. leadership after President Donald Trump. The updated composition of attendees at this summit compared to the previous meeting on March 2 demonstrated a broader coalition supporting Ukraine’s security efforts.
Looking ahead, Starmer mentioned that military planners would reconvene in the U.K. on Thursday to develop practical plans for bolstering Ukraine’s future security. This ongoing discussion indicates a sustained commitment from Western nations to ensure Ukraine receives the necessary support amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.
