Macron signals possible security role for France in Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron said France may deploy forces to secure peace in Ukraine after a ceasefire, urging Europe to strengthen its defence amid shifting US-Russia relations.

French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that while there are no immediate plans to send troops to Ukraine, France is considering deploying forces to help guarantee peace once a ceasefire agreement has been reached with Russia.

“I have not decided to send troops to Ukraine tomorrow, no,” Macron said on Thursday. “What we are considering instead is sending forces to guarantee peace once it has been negotiated.”

Speaking to French social media users ahead of his visit to Washington next week, Macron emphasised that France is entering a "new era" and that he intends to urge US President Donald Trump to take a firm stance in dealings with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"I'm going to tell him: 'You can't be weak with President Putin. That's not who you are, it's not your trademark, it's not in your interest'," Macron stated.

Trump is set to host Macron on Monday and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday, the White House confirmed. The former president has unsettled European allies by expressing willingness to engage in direct diplomacy with Putin regarding the war in Ukraine, potentially sidelining both Kyiv and European nations.

French officials have recently warned of the growing threat posed by Russia, stressing the need for public awareness. Earlier this week, Macron told reporters: "Russia poses an existential threat to Europeans."

On Thursday, he reiterated the necessity of reinforcing France’s security posture in light of shifting US-Russia relations.

"I am convinced that we are entering a new era. It will impose choices on us," he said. "We Europeans must increase our war effort."

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