PARIS: France and Britain have proposed deploying a “reassurance force” to Ukraine once a peace agreement is reached, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday. The initiative has not received unanimous approval from European allies.
Speaking after a summit of European leaders in Paris, Macron said that the proposed force was “a British-French proposition that is desired by Ukraine.”
He acknowledged that the idea did not have the support of all European allies but insisted that unanimity was not required for its implementation.
“These reassurance forces will be deployed with several European countries,” he said, adding that a Franco-British delegation would travel to Ukraine in the coming days to discuss the initiative, as well as the future structure of the Ukrainian military.
Macron made it clear that the reassurance force would not serve as a peacekeeping mission, nor would it be deployed on the front lines or act as a substitute for the Ukrainian army.
Instead, he described it as a “deterrence against any potential Russian aggression.” He noted that while not all European allies would participate, the force would include countries willing and able to contribute to Ukraine’s post-war security.
Europe rallies support for Ukraine
The Paris summit, attended by over two dozen allies of Ukraine, reaffirmed the commitment to maintaining and even increasing sanctions against Russia until peace deal.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said, “There was complete clarity that now is not the time for the lifting of sanctions—quite the contrary. What we discussed is how we can increase sanctions to support the US initiative to bring Russia to the table through further pressure.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also dismissed the idea of easing sanctions, calling it a “grave mistake” and stressing that punitive measures against Russia should remain in place until peace is fully restored.
“It makes no sense to end the sanctions as long as peace has not actually been achieved,” Scholz asserted.
Zelensky welcomed the firm stance taken by European leaders, emphasising that “everybody understands that Russia, today, does not want any kind of peace.”
He called for continued pressure on Moscow, stating that there should be “no lifting of any kind of sanctions until Russia stops this war.”
Peace through strength
As discussions continue on how to support Ukraine following a potential ceasefire, Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to “peace through strength.”
He noted that European leaders had explored military and operational plans to support Ukraine, including the possibility of security guarantees on land, at sea, and in the air.
Macron, who has positioned France as a key player in Europe’s response to the war, said that he and Starmer would “co-pilot” Europe’s coalition for a “stable and durable peace.”
He added that discussions were underway about how to shape “tomorrow’s Ukrainian army,” ensuring that it remains strong and well-equipped in the post-war period.
The summit also touched on broader European mobilisation efforts, with Macron stating that the continent must place Ukraine “in the best possible position to negotiate” in order to “win peace.”
He reaffirmed that plans for a European coalition force to assist Ukraine after the war were moving forward, despite opposition from some allies.
Ireland’s role in peace efforts
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin also addressed the summit, highlighting Ireland’s readiness to assist in a ceasefire in Ukraine.
“We will reflect on ongoing efforts towards a meaningful ceasefire, how we can support that ceasefire if and when it comes, and how we can contribute to bringing about a just and lasting peace that respects Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity,” Martin said.
He added that Ireland would continue its support for Ukraine, including through an additional €100 million in non-lethal military assistance.
While maintaining its policy of military neutrality, Ireland is open to contributing to peace efforts, whether through a mandated peacekeeping mission or specialised training under the EU Military Assistance Mission.
