French President Emmanuel Macron firmly stated that France will send troops or provide security guarantees to Ukraine without needing Russia’s approval. Moreover, he clarified that France, the UK, and other allies will not deploy large military forces.

Instead, he proposed sending small groups of soldiers to key locations in Ukraine. Their mission would be to ensure stability and protect the country. Furthermore, Macron shared these views in an interview with Le Parisien and La Dépêche de Midi. He also revealed that several European and non-European nations were willing to support a peace deal with Russia.

NATO Troops Will Train Ukrainian Soldiers

In addition to providing security, these troops will also train Ukrainian soldiers. Their goal is to strengthen Ukraine’s army and prepare it for future conflicts. Additionally, Macron emphasized that NATO forces will serve as a “security guarantee” for Ukraine. So far, several countries have already expressed interest in joining this effort.

Ukraine Must Not Give Up Land Without Security

Meanwhile, Macron stressed that Ukraine should not surrender any territory without receiving strong security guarantees. More importantly, he insisted that Russia has no right to decide on allied troop deployments.

“If Ukraine requests allied forces to be on its territory, it is not up to Russia to accept or reject them,” Macron declared.

His statement came just days before his scheduled meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

World Leaders Discuss Ukraine War

On Saturday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer led a virtual meeting with 30 world leaders to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine. Notably, Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and leaders from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand joined the talks.

After the meeting, Starmer urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to sign a ceasefire. Otherwise, he warned, Ukraine’s allies would continue increasing pressure on the Kremlin. Additionally, planning for a peacekeeping force would now move to an “operational phase.”

Later, Macron spoke to Agence France-Presse. He accused Russia of escalating the war instead of genuinely seeking peace.

“Russia must respond clearly, and the pressure must be clear, in conjunction with the US, to obtain this ceasefire,” Macron concluded.