French President Emmanuel Macron recently made a rather provocative statement that has once again brought attention to the issue of international support for Ukraine in the context of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war
In an interview with the French publication Le Parisien, he expressed his views regarding the possible deployment of foreign military formations on Ukrainian territory and outlined approximate figures for such contingents. Macron noted that the idea of involving foreign troops in Ukraine has the potential to contribute to stabilizing the situation after the cessation of hostilities with Russia. Assessing the scale of possible deployment, the French President emphasized that it would involve several thousand troops, but not hundreds of thousands. According to him, this is a sufficiently concrete and justified number to support Ukrainian forces and effectively demonstrate international solidarity. "It is important to understand that authority and influence are not determined by numbers," Macron stressed. He highlighted that the strongest army in Europe is the Ukrainian armed forces, currently mobilizing about one million fighters — a figure that, according to the French leader, no other country on the continent can boast. Therefore, in his opinion, the main resource in this fight is precisely the presence of enough military forces in Ukraine capable of resisting and holding the front. In response to a question about the number of foreign troops that could be deployed in Ukraine, Macron stated: "It may be a few thousand, but not a few hundred thousand." He added that the main thing is not the numbers themselves but the support that the international community can provide Ukraine in the form of military presence for support, especially in strategic points outside the immediate zone of hostilities. According to him, such presence would serve as a demonstration of solidarity and a signal to the European and global community of support for Ukraine in its struggle for independence. The French Minister of Foreign Affairs also confirmed that the issue of deploying foreign military forces and further steps in this direction is currently being discussed with European colleagues, and these discussions continue within the framework of a unified diplomatic agenda. Macron expressed confidence that international support, if necessary, will be consistent and effective. Recall that as a result of the recent summit on May 10, the "Coalition of the Decisive" called on Russia to cease the war, demanding an unconditional ceasefire for 30 days starting from May 12. Simultaneously, the Kremlin announced its intention to hold "direct negotiations" with Kyiv in Istanbul on Thursday, May 15, but the proposals for a temporary 30-day truce were not elaborated, and amidst the diplomatic standoff, conflicting statements have once again emerged. At the same time, Western countries, including the USA and the European Union, warn that in case Russia refuses to agree to a ceasefire, they are prepared to significantly tighten sanctions against Russia. According to them, these measures should be strict enough to pressure both the Kremlin and the military leadership of the aggressor country to push Russia towards a diplomatic resolution of the conflict. Thus, it is now becoming evident that the issue of deploying foreign troops in Ukraine remains on the agenda of European and international political debate. Preparations for possible scenarios, including enhancing Ukraine’s defense capabilities with external forces, are relevant and complex, thereby increasing tensions around the conflict and emphasizing the importance of diplomatic efforts in seeking peace.