Thu Mar 27 15:05:46 UTC 2025: **European Allies Divided on Post-Ceasefire Troop Deployment in Ukraine**
PARIS—A summit in Paris hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron has revealed a lack of unanimity among Ukraine’s European allies regarding the deployment of a reassurance force following a potential ceasefire with Russia. While France and the United Kingdom are leading the initiative, several nations have either declined participation due to capacity limitations or political considerations.
Macron confirmed that the proposed force, which will not act as peacekeepers or a substitute for the Ukrainian army, will be comprised of a select group of countries. Its primary purpose is to deter potential Russian aggression after a ceasefire. The exact deployment locations are yet to be determined, with Franco-British talks planned to finalize the details.
The summit, attended by leaders from nearly 30 countries, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, focused on strengthening Ukraine’s military capabilities and securing its future. Macron pledged an additional €2 billion in French military aid, and other nations were expected to announce further support.
The meeting comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire, following separate US-mediated agreements with both Russia and Ukraine regarding a potential truce in the Black Sea. However, Russia’s conditions, including the lifting of sanctions on Rosselkhozbank and its reconnection to SWIFT, have been met with resistance from the European Union.
Despite the lack of complete European consensus, Macron and Starmer will jointly lead a “coalition of action for stable and durable peace,” emphasizing the need for a strong and well-equipped Ukrainian army. The summit’s outcomes will be shared with the United States, with Macron having spoken to President Trump prior to the event. The divisions highlight the complexities of securing a unified European response to the ongoing conflict.
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