French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed the formation of a European military force that could be deployed to Ukraine in conjunction with an eventual peace agreement. Macron emphasized that this force would act as a deterrent and could respond to any potential Russian aggression. The announcement came following discussions with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and precedes a major summit in Paris involving representatives from around 30 nations to deliberate on this proposal. The envisioned troops could potentially be stationed in key areas to provide strategic support.
Macron articulated that if a renewed generalized attack from Russia were to occur on Ukrainian territory, such an armed force would effectively be in a position of defense, activating the usual rules of military engagement. He explained that while these forces would not be at the forefront on the initial day of any conflict against Russian forces, their presence would serve as a deterrent, showcasing the collective backing of several European nations.
Both Macron and Zelenskyy have been working to build a coalition of countries to potentially support such a deployment in Ukraine, aimed at preventing further Russian incursions and ensuring long-term peace. However, Macron did not outline specific actions the force might undertake in the event of a Russian attack.
The proposed European force would not be positioned directly on the frontlines or engage immediately with Russian troops. Instead, its role would be more symbolic and supportive — holding critical locations, ensuring adherence to peace accords, and providing a peacekeeping presence. This approach is intended to be pacifist, ensuring ongoing stability in the region with the Russians being positioned as the aggressors if they opt to advance.
Despite the growing support within Europe, with 31 delegations expected at the upcoming summit, the United States has shown limited enthusiasm for the concept. The U.S. administration under President Donald Trump has not publicly supported the coalition’s discussions about sending troops to Ukraine, focusing instead on potential outcomes and further developments. Special envoy Steve Witkoff has even questioned the necessity of such a deployment, describing it as a simplistic maneuver.
The European coalition is operating under the belief that Russia’s previous actions — from the annexation of Crimea in 2014 to the full-scale invasion in 2022 — have demonstrated a pattern of aggression that requires a unified response to prevent future conflicts. By potentially deploying a European force, they hope to discourage any further Russian aspirations on Ukrainian soil.
Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy envisions this external force as not only being a protective measure but also as actors in training Ukrainian troops. European nations have already been involved in preparing Ukrainian forces for potential confrontations, with over 75,000 troops having received training outside of Ukraine prior to reintegration into the Ukrainian military.
In the context of an agreed peace deal, European officials maintain that Ukraine’s defense should primarily be the responsibility of its own military; however, bolstering the country’s defense and military capabilities remains a priority for the European Union and the U.K.
To support this initiative, Macron unveiled a new defense aid package to Ukraine valued at 2 billion euros. This package includes light tanks, air defense systems, and anti-tank missiles among other resources.
European military strategists have been examining a range of scenarios for potential deployment options, considering both the logistics of positioning forces within Ukraine and the political implications. A suggested deployment could place coalition troops in central Ukraine along the Dnieper River, distanced from immediate conflict zones, or possibly in a neighboring country.
British officials speculate that the contingent could comprise 10,000 to 30,000 troops, marking a significant commitment by Europe given the reductions in military size since the Cold War era.