President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine responded to remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron about the possible deployment of Western troops to Ukraine with cautious optimism. Zelensky described Macron’s assertion that sending Western boots on the ground “cannot be ignored” as a promising sign for Kyiv’s security discussions and prospects of international support.
On February 26, Macron acknowledged the possibility that troops from European Union member states could join Ukraine in certain contingencies. He noted that the idea was explored during a gathering in Paris, where leaders discussed the potential role of EU ground forces in Ukraine under specific conditions.
NATO leadership at the time clarified that the alliance does not intend to deploy its own troops into the war zone in Ukraine. The organization emphasized that its role centers on deterrence, diplomacy, and providing support to partners, while avoiding direct participation in combat operations on Ukrainian soil.
In contrast, Dmitry Peskov, the spokesman for the Russian president, warned that dispatching NATO forces to Ukraine would risk a direct confrontation between the alliance and Russia, potentially escalating the conflict beyond Ukraine’s borders. The warning stressed Moscow’s view that outside military involvement would alter the stakes and dynamics of the war.
Analysts and political observers have offered varying interpretations of Macron’s stance. Some see it as a signaling move aimed at strengthening European unity and deterrence, while others caution about the practical and strategic consequences of any foreign troop deployment. The discussion underscores the broader tension between reinforcing Ukraine’s defense and preventing a broader confrontation with Russia.
As the debate continues, Kyiv’s leadership remains focused on securing wide-ranging international backing, while European governments weigh the political, logistical, and humanitarian implications of potential troop involvement. Attribution: policy statements and public remarks from the leaders and officials cited above are summarized from public briefings and media coverage of the Paris conference and subsequent diplomatic discussions. Additional context is provided by regional analysts observing the evolving security landscape in Europe.