Emmanuel Macron proposed deploying “reassurance forces” comprising members from multiple European nations stationed at specific strategic points within Ukraine should a peace agreement be reached between Ukraine and Russia.
“These forces aim to 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.
However, these reassurance forces “are not intended to be peacekeeping forces” as they will not replace the Ukrainian Armed Forces and will not be positioned on the frontlines but instead in “strategic towns” and bases.
This proposal will be reviewed by our military chiefs of staff over the next few weeks to establish “the layout and structure” of these deployments.
These reassuring forces would not at all substitute or diminish our endeavors in NATO’s eastern flank,” 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 remarked, “There was no consensus,” yet added, “However, achieving unanimity is not essential for us.”
The issue of deploying troops to Ukraine has led to significant rifts between EU and NATO member states.
The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, stated that Italy will abstain from participating in this initiative. Meanwhile, Poland’s head of government, 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 concurrently emphasized the importance of being prepared 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 the type of resources Kiev requires to deter potential additional assaults from Russia.
Reiterating what he said on Wednesday evening, the French President emphasized that now is not the appropriate time to remove sanctions from Russia.
The announcement follows the US statement from Tuesday about beginning to ease certain sanctions on Moscow, specifically concerning 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 pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to conclude Russia’s ongoing four-year conflict in Ukraine.
The US-mediated deals aimed at protecting maritime traffic in the Black Sea and ceasing attacks on energy facilities were welcomed as an initial move toward peace. Nonetheless, both Russia and Ukraine have raised objections regarding the specifics and blamed one another for non-compliance.
Even with the accord in place, the fighting continues unabated. According to Ukrainian media reports from Thursday, Russian assaults have resulted in injuries for scores of individuals and one fatality within the past twenty-four hours.
Zelenskyy argued that these assaults underscored the necessity for the US and Europe to maintain their sanctions against Moscow rather than easing them.
