Today, French President Emmanuel Macron is set to discuss with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw the deployment of peacekeeping forces following the conflict in Ukraine, according to a European Union diplomat and a French official cited by Politico.
The meeting of these two EU politicians comes amid growing concerns that the incoming administration of Donald Trump may pressure Europeans to assume greater military responsibilities in Ukraine.
A related article claims that the two sides are discussing potential peacekeeping forces of 40,000 troops composed of soldiers from foreign countries. However, the diplomat did not specify which countries these soldiers might come from.
Both officials spoke anonymously to discuss the sensitive topic openly.
A high-ranking Polish official, however, expressed surprise at Macron’s proposed plan, stating that “It’s not a formula that would allow us to take such a decision” and suggesting that decisions on peacekeeping missions should be made within the United Nations or the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), not in a bilateral discussion with the French president. The official also noted that the deployment of Polish troops to Ukraine “would only make sense in the format of NATO.”
Macron’s proposal for peacekeeping forces is separate from his previous idea to send military instructors to Ukraine during the ongoing war.
Earlier this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned such a plan during his meeting with likely the next German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, according to Politico. Zelensky stated, “We can think and work on the position of Emmanuel [Macron], who proposed… troops from this or that country to be present in certain territories of Ukraine, which would guarantee our security until Ukraine is in NATO.”
Zelensky also emphasized the need for Ukraine to receive security guarantees, as discussed during his meeting with Trump in Paris over the weekend.
Ukraine’s main demand is to receive an official invitation to join NATO, but members like the U.S. and Germany are opposed, fearing involvement in a war with Russia. Without NATO membership, Kyiv fears that any peace agreement would simply allow Russia to regroup and attack again.
“One thing is absolutely clear: the cessation of the war and the achievement of peace is only possible when Ukraine is in NATO and in the EU,” stated Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefaniyshyna.
Title: Macron and Tusk to Discuss Deployment of Peacekeeping Forces in Ukraine Post-Conflict
During a working dinner in Brussels, the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, hosted a meeting with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Parliament, David Sassoli. One of the key topics on the agenda was the potential deployment of peacekeeping forces in Ukraine after the ongoing conflict comes to an end.
Macron’s Initiative
Emmanuel Macron has been a strong advocate for diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, having hosted several rounds of talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2019 and 2020. In line with his diplomatic approach, Macron has proposed the idea of deploying peacekeeping forces in Ukraine post-conflict. This initiative aims to ensure the security and stability of the region and facilitate the reconstruction process.
The Role of the EU and NATO
The European Union and NATO have been closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine, and both organizations have expressed support for Macron’s proposal. EU High Representative Josep Borrell has stated that the EU is ready to contribute to post-conflict peacebuilding in Ukraine, while NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has emphasized the alliance’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The deployment of peacekeeping forces would likely involve a combination of EU and NATO forces, as well as contributions from other international partners. The exact composition and mandate of the peacekeeping mission would need to be agreed upon by all relevant stakeholders, including Ukraine and Russia.
Challenges and Next Steps
The proposed peacekeeping mission faces several challenges, notably the need to ensure the safety and security of the peacekeepers themselves, as well as the political will and cooperation from all parties involved. Before deploying peacekeeping forces, a ceasefire and a comprehensive peace agreement must be in place.
Macron and European Council President Charles Michel, who also serves as the incoming President of the European Council, will continue to discuss the deployment of peacekeeping forces in Ukraine with other EU leaders and international partners. The aim is to build consensus around this initiative and develop a concrete plan for implementing it once the conditions are right.
In conclusion, the discussion between Macron and Tusk on peacekeeping forces in Ukraine highlights the European Union’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its role in promoting peace and stability in the wider region. While challenges remain, the EU’s determined approach to peacebuilding in Ukraine bodes well for the region’s long-term security and prosperity.
