In a significant international development, French President Emmanuel Macron, alongside British counterparts, has unveiled plans for a “coalition of the willing” to support Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions with Russia.
President Emmanuel Macron outlined potential missions that a military support force might undertake. This initiative, orchestrated by Paris and London in collaboration with other nations, is designed to deploy following any ceasefire agreement with Russia. Macron emphasized that the Franco-British strategy does not aim for a massive troop deployment in Ukraine. Instead, it envisions stationing contingents in strategic locations.
According to reports from French newspapers La Dépêche du Midi and Le Parisien, Macron discussed participation from nations willing to deploy several thousand troops at ‘key points’ within Ukraine. Their missions may involve providing training and support for Ukrainian defenses, underscoring long-term commitment to Kyiv. Macron added that these proposed NATO-member country contingents would serve as a ‘security guarantee’ for Ukraine. Moreover, several European and non-European countries have expressed readiness to join this effort upon confirmation, according to La Dépêche.
Le Parisien reported Macron’s assertion that Moscow’s consent is not required for such a deployment, stating, ‘Ukraine is sovereign. If it requests allied forces on its territory, it is not for Russia to approve or disapprove.’
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During a virtual summit organized by the UK, opposition leader Starmer challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin to demonstrate sincerity for peace by agreeing to a ceasefire. Starmer noted that allies continue to pressure the Kremlin, indicating that peacekeeping force planning is moving to an ‘operational phase.’ This summit, involving approximately 30 leaders including those from Italy, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, NATO, and the European Union, aimed to support Ukraine against shifting US focus post-Donald Trump’s return to the presidency. Notably, more countries participated compared to a previous meeting on March 2.
Starmer announced that military strategists are set to reconvene in the UK to further develop practical plans for bolstering Ukraine’s future security.
The coordinated effort by Paris and London to create a “coalition of the willing” signals a robust commitment to support Ukraine. As European and non-European nations rally to join this cause, the initiative underscores a strategic approach to safeguarding Ukraine’s sovereignty and bolstering its defenses against external threats.
