The Russian agency TASS reported that France is working on forming a coalition of countries that might theoretically send troops to Ukraine, commenting on French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourn’s visit to Lithuania.
According to a report by the agency, citing the American newspaper Politico, “France is building a coalition of countries open to the possibility of sending Western forces to Ukraine, deepening its conflict with more cautious Berlin in the process.”
The Russian agency highlighted that the French Foreign Minister emphasized the opportunity at a press conference with his Lithuanian and Ukrainian counterparts on March 8 to send NATO forces to Ukraine to deal with mine clearance and not engage in hostilities.
The newspaper mentioned that French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier raised the possibility of sending NATO forces to Ukraine. It added that the majority of European countries, including Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic, rejected the idea, but the Baltic states are “more open to it.”
European countries have been actively supporting Ukraine in its conflict against Russia, with significant military, financial, and humanitarian aid being pledged and allocated. According to the Ukraine Support Tracker by the Kiel Institute, European aid has surpassed that of the U.S., both in terms of commitments and specific aid allocations sent to Ukraine. The EU’s Ukraine Support Facility further guarantees financial assistance, although there remains a large gap between commitments and actual allocations. For Europe to fully replace U.S. military assistance in 2024, it would need to double its current level and pace of arms assistance.
The European Council on Foreign Relations highlights the importance of foreign military assistance in sustaining Ukraine’s war effort. The EU and its member states are urged to support Ukraine in strengthening its military capabilities to prevent further escalation of the conflict. Proposals include providing Ukraine with a “security compact” to enhance cooperation between the security and defense sectors of the EU and Ukraine, and a more systematic assessment of Ukraine’s military assistance needs.
NATO has also expressed its readiness to back Ukraine for years in the conflict, including helping Kyiv transition from Soviet-era weapons to modern Western arms and systems. This commitment involves providing support over a long period and aiding Ukraine in becoming more interoperable with NATO militaries.
