Macron teams up with UK for reassurance mission to Ukraine
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that several countries will send reassurance forces to Ukraine. The United Kingdom will be the main ally of Paris in this effort. According to Macron, the mission from both countries will head to Ukraine "in the coming days," as reported by "Le Figaro".
Speaking after a summit of Ukraine's allies in Paris, comprising countries of the "coalition of the willing," Macron explained that "reassurance forces" could be deployed in strategically significant locations within Ukraine. He stressed that these forces would not be stationed on the demarcation line separating the warring parties and are not intended to replace peacekeeping forces responsible for overseeing the truce.
These security forces are not intended to be peacekeeping forces or forces present on the line of contact, nor are they intended to replace the Ukrainian armies. Instead, they will provide long-term support and act as a deterrent against potential Russian aggression – Macron explained.
The French President further stated that due to the absence of "unanimity" among countries on this issue, these forces will be comprised of only a "few member states" from the coalition.
Macron also noted that summit participants agreed that sanctions against Russia should not be lifted at this time. He also expressed hope regarding China's leader, Xi Jinping.
- Given the quality of the dialogue he maintains with Russia and the peace initiative he launched with Brazil a few months ago, I hope that President Xi will be able to play a very active role in helping us establish a solid and lasting peace – according to "Le Figaro's" account of Macron's press conference.
Zelensky talks about "peacekeeping forces"
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he intends to invite representatives of the "coalition of the willing" to Ukraine to collaboratively develop a plan for deploying peacekeeping forces and establishing a future security system.
We need to figure-out how our partners’ forces will operate on Ukrainian land, in our skies, and at sea. Our coalition of willing and capable partners is already working – politically and militarily. I’m thankful to France, the UK, and everyone involved for their sincere commitment to helping us build lasting security – Zelensky wrote on the X platform following the conclusion of the Kyiv allies summit.
The Ukrainian President underscored the necessity for clear operational decisions and a unified vision of the security system.
We need clear operational decisions and a common vision of the future security system. It is obvious that the strength and size of the Ukrainian army will always remain a key guarantee of our security. Therefore, we must build everything around this: our Armed Forces, their equipment, technology, efficiency - this is the basis. And in addition to this, we must determine how the forces of our partners will operate on Ukrainian soil, in the sky and at sea," Zelensky emphasized.
