French President Emmanuel Macron has outlined his vision for a potential deployment of European troops in Ukraine, emphasizing that their role would be to secure key cities and bases rather than engage in front line combat against Russian forces.
On the eve of a Ukraine support summit in Paris, Macron said the presence of European troops would serve as a deterrent, preventing renewed Russian aggression and helping Kiev maintain control of its territory.
But Macron, speaking after face-to-face consultations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris, raised eyebrows when he said that if Russia were to launch a fresh offensive on Ukraine, these European troops would be in a position to help “respond.”
He did not offer details about what a European military response to a Russian attack would look like.
Over the past three years of Russia’s all-out invasion, many European governments have expressed opposition to sending ground troops to Ukraine, fearing the Kremlin would see it as a major escalation.
The French president announced new military aid for Ukraine worth €2 billion ($2.1 billion), including missiles, tanks, drones and ammunition.
On Thursday, top representatives from 31 countries that support Kiev will gather in Paris for talks focusing on security guarantees in the event of a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.
France and Britain have been leading efforts to develop a framework for these guarantees.
Zelensky warns of difficult ceasefire talks
Zelensky expressed gratitude for France’s latest military assistance, calling it a “strong package.” He also briefed Macron on ongoing ceasefire negotiations, noting that while an agreement by Moscow and Kiev to avoid strikes on energy infrastructure is progressing, technical details such as monitoring still need to be resolved.
However, he warned that reaching a ceasefire deal in the Black Sea would be significantly more challenging, as Russia continues to push for additional concessions.
Zelensky accused Moscow of prolonging the negotiations to extend the war and called for increased pressure, particularly as the US administration considers the possibility of easing sanctions on Russia.
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