Macron Announces Coalition of 26 Nations Prepared to Send Troops to Ukraine
A recent summit saw discussions focused on bolstering support for Ukraine, with French President Emmanuel Macron announcing that 26 European states are prepared to send troops to the country. The meeting, attended both in person and virtually by European leaders, included a call with former US President Donald Trump, who urged European nations to increase pressure on Russia by halting purchases of Russian oil – estimated at €1.1 billion in fuel sales to the EU in a single year.
While Trump indicated the US might play a “co-ordinating” role, potentially offering air support, he ruled out sending peacekeepers. Russia has firmly rejected the possibility of Western troops on Ukrainian soil, labeling any peacekeeping mission an unacceptable “intervention.” The Russian embassy in Dublin issued a statement criticizing potential Irish involvement, accusing the government of attempting to enhance its “peacekeeping” image and contributing to the escalation of the conflict.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, participating via video link, affirmed the coalition’s “unbreakable pledge” to Ukraine, with Trump’s support, and stressed the need for increased pressure on Russia to achieve a cessation of hostilities. german officials expressed hope for continued considerable US contributions to supporting Ukraine, establishing security guarantees, and fostering a diplomatic process.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy emphasized the necessity of legally binding defense guarantees, referencing the ineffectiveness of previous security assurances from the US and UK following Ukraine’s relinquishment of its Soviet-era nuclear arsenal in 1994. He stated Ukraine is “counting on a US backstop,” with details of American contributions to be finalized soon.Zelenskiy and other leaders underscored the importance of a strong, self-sufficient Ukrainian military as the cornerstone of future defense, directly opposing Kremlin demands for limitations on Ukraine’s armed forces. He highlighted the need for continued financing, weapons provision, and progress of Ukraine’s domestic defense production capabilities.
