CESSON-SEVIGNE, France — In a recent address to the French military, President Emmanuel Macron urged Europe to “awaken” and invest more significantly in its defense capabilities to diminish its dependence on the United States for security. This call comes at a time when Donald Trump has resumed leadership, which could lead to shifts in U.S. foreign policy.
During his New Year’s speech at the Army Digital and Cyber Support Command in western France, Macron highlighted the anticipated transformation in Washington’s approach, particularly in relation to the ongoing war in Ukraine. He framed the situation as a crucial moment for Europe to reassess its strategic posture. “What will we do in Europe tomorrow if our American ally withdraws its warships from the Mediterranean? If they send their fighter jets from the Atlantic to the Pacific?” he posed to the audience.
With Trump expressing concerns about the financial burden the Ukraine conflict places on American taxpayers, he has indicated a desire to transfer more responsibility onto European nations. Furthermore, Trump has set a target to rapidly conclude the conflict, suggesting that peace could potentially be negotiated in as little as six months.
Macron emphasized the necessity for France and Europe to adapt their defense strategies in light of evolving threats and shifting geopolitical landscapes. He pointed out, “Who would have thought a year ago that Greenland would be at the center of political and strategic debates? That’s the way it is.”
He underscored the importance of providing enduring support to Ukraine so that the nation can negotiate from a position of strength in any forthcoming peace discussions. Macron stated that Ukraine must receive “guarantees” to prevent resuming hostilities on its territory once the fighting subsides, asserting that Europe should “play its full role” in facilitating this process.
The conversation surrounding troop deployment in Ukraine has gained traction, as Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned his discussions with Macron concerning the introduction of Western forces as part of efforts to ensure the integrity of any peace arrangements following the protracted war with Russia. “As one of these guarantees, we discussed the French initiative to deploy military contingents in Ukraine,” Zelenskyy remarked.
However, the idea of sending European troops to Ukraine as peacekeepers carries significant risks. Such a deployment might not dissuade Russia from future aggression, a concern that looms large among Ukrainian officials. Moreover, this could potentially embroil European nations in a direct conflict with Moscow, subsequently drawing NATO — including the U.S. — into the fray.