Macron proposes sending deterrence forces to Ukraine: Details
Photo: Emmanuel Macron, President of France (Getty Images)
French President Emmanuel Macron proposes that the West send deterrence forces to Ukraine. This proposal could become part of security guarantees, according to Sky News, BFMTV, and The Guardian.
"These will be forces from several countries, as there is no unanimity on this issue, and they will be stationed at pre-determined strategic locations with the Ukrainians... This will serve as a security guarantee and have a deterrent effect against potential Russian aggression," Macron said.
According to the French leader, the countries of the Coalition of the Willing will hold negotiations at the general's level to determine "the locations, the number of forces to be deployed to make this credible, and the capabilities."
"Nothing is excluded, including naval forces, ground troops, and air forces. This reassurance force should not substitute the peacekeeping forces on the contact line or the strong and robust Ukrainian army," he added.
Macron also added that within the Coalition of the Willing, there is agreement that any future security guarantees must be based on three components:
-
A strong Ukrainian army, with a joint Franco-British mission set to travel to Kyiv to assess the needs and determine what can be done to support Ukraine's army;
-
Deterrence forces, which will not be stationed on the front line but will provide support in "strategic" areas;
-
A broader commitment to rearming Europe and presenting the European perspective, including its demands in any peace negotiations.
Summit in France
Today, March 27, leaders from several countries discussed the possibility of sending a military contingent to Ukraine as part of security guarantees. Several issues remain unresolved, including the number of soldiers that could be sent.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited Western officials to Ukraine to develop a more detailed plan for such an initiative.
