French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed a European military force aimed at potentially deploying to Ukraine alongside a future peace agreement. Following discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Macron articulated that this force could act as a response to any renewed Russian aggression.
Macron indicated that if there were further extensive attacks on Ukrainian territory, the European allied forces would become directly engaged in accordance with their command structures. He noted that while the proposed force would not be stationed on the frontlines in Ukraine, its purpose would be to discourage further Russian assaults and to provide significant support by holding key strategic locations.
He stated, “We are not on the frontlines… we are there to guarantee a lasting peace,” emphasising a pacifist approach to security in the region. Macron, alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is working to build a coalition of nations committed to this initiative, with the ultimate goal of dissuading Russia from future attacks and establishing a sustainable peace in Ukraine.
The summit in Paris is set to gather 31 delegations—marking growth in international support for Ukraine—despite notable absences including the United States, whose administration has shown reluctance to consider the deployment of European troops on Ukrainian soil. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff dismissed the notion of a European military presence in Ukraine, reflecting contrasting views between US officials and European leaders.
The underlying rationale for such a coalition stems from the belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ongoing activities in Ukraine, which began with the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and escalated to a full-scale invasion in 2022, showcase an unwillingness to adhere to international agreements. European leaders assert that any peace accord must include robust security guarantees for Ukraine to prevent further Russian aggression.
As discussions advance, Macron’s vision strives to balance military readiness with diplomatic solutions, underscoring the gravity of the situation in Ukraine and the concerted efforts required from the international community to ensure peace and stability in the region.