President Macron of France has vowed to support Ukraine in its war against Russia, proposing a “reassurance force” to be sent to Ukrainian soil after the conflict ends. However, details about the force are still being determined, and only Britain and France have committed to the idea so far. Russia has called the deployment unacceptable, warning it could lead to a military clash with NATO.
Macron emphasized that the European force would not be on the front lines but would help train and support Ukrainian forces. The leaders discussed increasing short-term military aid for Ukraine and maintaining sanctions on Russia. The issue of U.S. support remains unclear, with President Trump’s special envoy criticizing the idea of a European force in Ukraine.
Despite the challenges, President Zelensky of Ukraine expressed satisfaction with the European promises to invest in Ukrainian defense capabilities and keep sanctions on Russia. He urged for faster progress on plans for a cease-fire and security guarantees.
The meeting in Paris followed previous gatherings in France and Britain, highlighting European efforts to support Ukraine amid uncertainty about American commitment. Macron stressed the importance of being prepared for the worst if clear answers from Russia do not materialize. Zelensky expressed confidence that European leaders would continue to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Source
Photo credit www.nytimes.com
