French President Emmanuel Macron was scheduled to address a gathering of military leaders from 30 European and NATO nations on Tuesday, all of whom are prepared to offer security assurances for Ukraine following a potential negotiated ceasefire with Russia.
Macron, aiming to unify a European response to the recent unexpected shift in US-Russia relations, indicated that the meeting would be conducted in collaboration with NATO military leadership.
This closed-door session coincides with Ukraine’s initiation of discussions with US representatives in Saudi Arabia, where a partial ceasefire with Russia is being considered.
Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu emphasized the significance of the assembly of military chiefs from 30 European and NATO countries, including the UK and Turkey, stating that it would focus on establishing a framework for potential security guarantees for Ukraine.
“It is essential to look forward and consider the future structure of the Ukrainian military,” Lecornu remarked prior to the discussions. “We will not accept any form of demilitarization of Ukraine,” he asserted.
Ukraine’s military, boasting over 800,000 personnel, is recognized as the largest in Europe, as stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In the aftermath of Russia’s invasion more than three years ago, Europe is actively seeking to enhance its defense capabilities and reduce its reliance on the United States.
Former President Trump has reignited discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and has expressed criticism towards Zelensky, raising concerns in Kyiv and among European allies that the US leader might attempt to pressure Ukraine into accepting a settlement that favors Russia.
Additionally, Trump has halted military assistance and intelligence-sharing with Kyiv.
In a bid to address the situation, President Macron has joined forces with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to spearhead initiatives aimed at establishing a “coalition of the willing” to facilitate a potential ceasefire in Ukraine.
On Friday, Macron, who has urged the French defense sector to transition to a “war economy mode,” is expected to convene with defense manufacturers, as reported by a member of his team.
Following discussions on Tuesday, defense ministers from Europe’s five leading military nations—France, Britain, Germany, Italy, and Poland—are scheduled to convene in Paris on Wednesday. Representatives from the EU and NATO, along with the Ukrainian defense minister, will also participate.
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The focus of these discussions will be on the “essential rearmament of Europe” and the provision of military assistance to Ukraine, as indicated by an aide to Lecornu.
In a related development, Starmer will conduct virtual discussions on Saturday with leaders from nations willing to support the ceasefire initiative.
Macron has stated that any deployment of European troops to Ukraine would occur only after a peace agreement is finalized, ensuring its full compliance.
Additionally, he expressed openness to discussions regarding the extension of France’s nuclear deterrent to its European allies.
Last week, EU President Ursula von der Leyen announced a strategy to mobilize approximately 800 billion euros ($843 billion) for European defense and to facilitate “immediate” military aid to Ukraine.
France is also set to increase its defense budget, with Lecornu mentioning a goal of around 100 billion euros annually, up from 50.5 billion in 2025.
Turkey, possessing NATO’s second-largest military after the United States and a strategic Black Sea coastline, aims to play a significant role in European security amid Washington’s reduced focus on the region.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed his support for Zelensky’s appeal for a truce in aerial and naval operations.
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