French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that proposed European military forces in Ukraine, if deployed under a potential peace agreement, would be able to respond to a Russian attack.
Speaking after discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Macron clarified that these forces would be positioned in key cities and strategic locations rather than on the front lines.
“If there is another full-scale attack on Ukraine’s territory, these forces would be targeted, and our usual rules of engagement would apply,” Macron said.
Coalition for Security in Ukraine
Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are leading efforts to form a coalition of European nations willing to send forces to deter future Russian aggression. While specific details remain unclear, Macron emphasized that these troops would not engage in combat on day one but would act as a deterrent.
The French president described the plan as a “peaceful approach,” arguing that any conflict escalation would be initiated by Russia, should it choose further aggression.
U.S. Reluctance and Russian Distrust
The initiative faces skepticism from the U.S., with Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Steven Witkoff, dismissing the idea as “posturing.” However, European officials maintain that Putin cannot be trusted and that a European military presence could prevent further Russian offensives.
Macron expects 31 national delegations at the upcoming summit in Paris, signaling growing support for the initiative. The question remains: will Europe take the lead in securing Ukraine’s long-term stability?
