Emmanuel Macron stated that France, the UK, and other countries offering security guarantees to Ukraine after a potential ceasefire would not deploy a “mass” of soldiers, but a contingent of several thousand troops to key locations in Ukraine without requiring Russia’s permission. In an interview with regional French newspapers, Macron mentioned that European as well as non-European countries have shown their willingness to join forces to secure a future peace agreement with Russia. The proposed contingents would consist of a few thousand troops from each state, stationed at key points in Ukraine, to conduct training programs and display long-term support. Macron emphasized that NATO member states’ contingents would act as a security guarantee for Ukraine and that several European and non-European nations have expressed their willingness to participate in such an effort once confirmed. He further stated that under no circumstances should Ukraine make territorial concessions without security guarantees. Despite Moscow’s opposition to this deployment, Macron emphasized that Russia’s permission is not needed, as Ukraine is sovereign and can decide on the presence of allied forces. The French President will meet with the Canadian Prime Minister and then travel to Berlin for discussions on Ukraine before an EU summit. The UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, led a virtual meeting of international leaders, including Macron and Italy’s Prime Minister, to discuss Ukraine and urged Vladimir Putin to sign up for a ceasefire if he is serious about peace. Macron called for Europe and the US to exert pressure on Russia to accept the proposed ceasefire and claimed that Russia is escalating the fighting rather than showing a genuine interest in peace.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/16/macron-says-russias-permission-not-needed-to-deploy-troops-in-ukraine