Emmanuel Macron, the French president, proposes a hypothetical peacekeeping plan for Ukraine that would involve a few thousand troops per contributing country and would not require Russia’s approval.
In an online interview published late Saturday by several regional French outlets, Macron revisits the progress of talks among multiple European nations to back a possible peace agreement in Ukraine.
A video conference summit organized today by the British prime minister, Keir Starmer, moved the discussions forward and agreed that another meeting of the participating countries’ military chiefs will take place next Thursday on British soil.
Macron stresses that the goal is not to field a mass force, noting that Ukraine already possesses the largest European army, with roughly a million soldiers mobilized.
The plan aims to deploy only a few thousand personnel per country at strategic points across Ukraine to run training programs for Ukrainian forces and bolster the country’s defense capabilities.
Moreover, that contingent would serve to demonstrate long-term support for Kyiv, the president emphasizes.
No need for Russia’s approval
Facing Moscow’s repeated rejection of foreign troops on Ukrainian soil, Macron was firm that Europeans and possibly other Western partners outside Europe do not need the Kremlin’s permission.
“Ukraine is sovereign. If it asks for allied forces to be on its territory, it is not for Russia to decide whether to accept it,” the French president states.
When asked about the stance of the American president, Macron chose to stay in contact with Washington to avoid further missteps and reduce uncertainty regarding the United States’ position.
Macron spoke by phone on Friday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and indicates he is willing to continue delivering advanced military equipment to Kyiv.
He mentions the possibility of sending additional Mirage 2000 fighter-bombers, drawn from France or other countries that operate them, and notes that Zelensky specifically requested precision missiles and drones.
He also notes that the rise in European defense spending should be matched by a greater preference for European-made equipment to safeguard the continent’s strategic autonomy.
During a meeting with leaders of France’s powerful defense industry, Macron urged them to engage with European countries accustomed to buying from the United States and to present European options to those considering purchases abroad.
For instance, countries buying Patriot missiles should be offered the Franco-Italian SAMP/T system, while those interested in acquiring F‑35s should have the option of the French Dassault Rafale.
Additionally, he clarifies that although the French government plans a substantial expansion of its military reserve to about 80,000 personnel by 2030, up from current levels of around 44,000, a return to compulsory national service is not considered a realistic option.