European leaders suggested their troops could touch down in Ukraine within a day of a hypothetical peace deal with Russia.
French President Emmanuel Macron told radio outlet RTL that “reassurance force” made up of French, British, or Turkish troops could be deployed to secure Ukrainian territory on the “day the peace is signed.”
“We have about 20 countries that have already said what they are prepared to do actively, either in the air, on land, or at sea,” he explained.
Macron spoke extensively about the role of the Coalition of the Willing — an international alliance of European and Commonwealth powers aimed at supplying Ukraine with military assistance against Russian aggression.
The coalition held a conference call on Tuesday to strategize its next moves if the peace negotiations between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia are finalized.
European powers have consistently promised to defend Ukraine’s military with the “reassurance force” concept, should hostilities subside. The possibility of a peace deal means the coalition is working to provide detailed information on its offer.
“Over the next few days, we will finalize each party’s contributions and finalize these security guarantees,” Macron said after the Tuesday meeting of the coalition. “This is essential for the Ukrainians, it is essential for negotiating a credible peace and for maintaining pressure on Russia.”
Macron’s enthusiasm has been matched by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who also discussed the need for “reassurance” following the call.
“We should keep up our work on preparing robust security guarantees — as Emmanuel [Macron] has said, that’s the driving purpose behind this Coalition and security guarantees was an important element of the draft U.S. plan,” he said.
“Because Ukraine needs real reassurance that Russia cannot come again in the future,” Starmer continued. “And so when we say peace, it must be lasting peace. That will not happen if we don’t have robust security guarantees.”
President Donald Trump is eager to finalize a deal, no matter what parameters are agreed to — an approach that has frustrated Europeans who were hoping for more aggressive punishments to be placed on Russia.
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“The ultimate goal is peace. That’s the most important thing that can be achieved here. Stop the fighting, stop the killing,” a senior White House official told Politico. “Those are the main things he wants out of this.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has offered to meet with Trump at the White House on Thanksgiving to finalize the deal. However, whether Russia will deem the plan viable is yet to be seen.