Macron pushes for reassurance force in Ukraine as allies hesitate

French President, Emmanuel Macron, has announced plans for a reassurance force in Ukraine, backed by several countries, though the proposal has not secured full support from all European allies.

Speaking after the third summit of the “coalition of the willing” in Paris, Macron acknowledged that some nations had reservations about deploying an armed force to support a potential peace agreement.

“It is not unanimous,” he said, but added that France and the UK, which are spearheading the initiative, would collaborate with Ukraine to determine possible deployment locations. “We do not need unanimity to achieve it,” he stated.

The summit, attended by nearly 30 national leaders as well as NATO and European Union officials, comes at a critical stage in the three-year-long war.

Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, also present at the meeting, urged for a deadline to push Russian President Vladimir Putin towards a ceasefire.

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According to Sky News, following the summit, Starmer addressed reporters at the UK Ambassador’s residence in Paris, accusing Putin of “playing games” and expressing his desire for a peace deal to be reached in “a matter of days and weeks instead of months.”

Asked about the proposed reassurance force, he emphasised its role in deterring Russia and securing any agreed ceasefire or peace arrangement. “This is done in recognition that we also need US involvement,” he said.

Although details on military contributions remain unclear, Starmer confirmed that the coalition had “200 planners from 30 countries.” He also assured that Parliament would “have a say” if British troops were to be deployed on a long-term basis.

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