Emmanuel Macron has unveiled a new plan for a "reassurance force" in Ukraine, aiming to support a potential peace deal. However, not all European allies are on board with this initiative. The French president noted that some countries are hesitant about sending armed forces to Ukraine, leading to a lack of consensus among European nations.
During a news conference following a summit in Paris, Macron explained that only a few countries are willing to participate in the proposed deployment. He emphasized that while unity is ideal, it is not essential for the plan to move forward. "We do not need unanimity to achieve it," he stated.
The summit brought together leaders from nearly 30 countries, along with NATO and European Union officials, at a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, which has persisted for over three years. Macron, alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, expressed their commitment to collaborating with Ukraine to determine the specific locations for the military contingents.
Starmer, who attended the meeting, stressed the importance of setting a deadline for Russian President Vladimir Putin to make progress on a ceasefire. He accused Putin of "playing games" and delaying negotiations. Starmer believes that the reassurance force is intended to deter Putin and safeguard any peace agreement reached.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the involvement of the United States, Macron acknowledged the possibility that American support might not be guaranteed. He mentioned that the coalition currently has around 200 planners from 30 different countries working on the initiative.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded positively to the summit, indicating that several nations are ready to provide security guarantees for Ukraine, whether through air support or ground troops. Starmer assured that the UK Parliament would have a say in any long-term deployment of British forces.
While the US has been facilitating discussions to end the war, tangible progress remains elusive. Both Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of violating ceasefire agreements, complicating the path to peace.
As the situation develops, it remains crucial for the involved countries to find common ground and work towards a resolution that ensures stability in the region.