Macron: Russia won't have a say in Ukraine peacekeeping mission
Photo: French President Emmanuel Macron (Getty Images)
In the matter of deploying foreign troops, Ukraine can proceed without Russia's approval. If troops are sent, they will remain on Ukrainian territory, states French President Emmanuel Macron in an interview with Le Parisien.
"Ukraine is a sovereign state, and if it requests allied troops to be present on its territory, it is not Russia's business to decide whether they are accepted or not," said Macron.
According to him, regarding the peace plan developed by the UK and France, which is nearly completed and will be presented to the US, the goal is not to create "massive forces," as Ukraine already has the largest army in Europe with one million troops.
"It's about deploying a few thousand people from each country to key points for training programs and demonstrating our long-term support," explained the French president.
"Coalition of the willing"
It is worth noting that France was the first to speak about the need to send a peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine to ensure peace. The UK also actively joined the discussion on this matter. Both countries initiated the creation of a peace plan for Ukraine, which will later be presented to the US.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the creation of the "Coalition of the Willing." Its main goal is to gather countries that are ready to send troops to Ukraine to ensure peace. On March 15, a virtual summit of the "Coalition of the Willing" took place.
Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Ukraine seeks to expand the discussion on foreign contingents. According to the ministry's spokesperson, it is important to ensure security not only on land but also in the air and at sea.
