A new stage of European support for Ukraine will be reached. Emmanuel Macron confirmed the dispatch, in the coming days, of a Franco-British military mission to Ukraine, with a clear objective: to prepare the format of the post-conflict Ukrainian army. This initiative is part of a broader strategy of deterrence against Russia.
This mission, led by the French and British chiefs of staff, aims to design a modern and dissuasive Ukrainian army. The experts involved will be expected to propose a military format for the post-war period: types of troops, air and naval capabilities, necessary equipment, and numbers. This army must be capable of guaranteeing peace in Ukraine and preventing any attempts at further Russian aggression.
But beyond this expertise, Paris and London are considering a European "reassurance force" that could be deployed to Ukraine once a peace agreement is reached. Non-combatant and withdrawn from the front lines, this force would be there to signal the continued support of several European countries and serve as a warning to Moscow.
A voluntary coalition, without European consensus
The initiative, although welcomed by the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, is not unanimous. Many European states remain wary of sending troops, even after a ceasefire. Emmanuel Macron agreed, but stressed that consensus was not essential: the coalition could move forward with willing countries.
On the Russian side, the reaction was immediate: Moscow denounced the risk of direct confrontation with NATO. For Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this force would be a disguised intervention.
Another step towards a European military presence on Ukrainian soil
While this mission does not yet involve sending troops to the front lines, it represents a strategic shift in Europe's position. Until now, support has focused on arms deliveries and financial assistance. This time, it aims to anticipate Ukraine's military reconstruction and establish a long-term deterrent framework. With this in mind, Emmanuel Macron also calls on China to play an active role in peace negotiations, citing its "legitimacy" as a member of the UN Security Council. The French president hopes that Beijing will become more involved in the search for a lasting solution.
