Russia has stated its unwillingness to accept the presence of any Western forces within the neighboring country following a potential ceasefire.
According to Politico on Monday, citing officials, a joint UK-French plan to send troops to Ukraine post a potential ceasefire with Russia is encountering difficulties, exacerbating tensions between the two nations.
Last year, French President Emmanuel Macron had suggested that Kyiv’s international supporters should not dismiss the option of deploying troops to Ukraine.
Subsequent to the inauguration of US President Donald Trump in January, an event prioritizing a ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv, Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer established a ‘coalition of the willing’ – comprising countries that could engage in a post-truce mission in Ukraine. Russia has cautioned against this.
The coalition’s upcoming meeting is set for Thursday, to be co-chaired by Macron and Starmer at the British Army’s Northwood Headquarters, which houses NATO’s Allied Maritime Command. This assembly coincides with Macron’s official state visit to the UK.
Politico quoted two French officials who stated the initiative “lacks clear direction” and attributed its lack of progress to London. They asserted that the UK government has excessively focused on obtaining US support, which has not yet materialized.
Conversely, UK officials have reportedly criticized Macron for prioritizing his legacy as his presidential term approaches its conclusion. Politico indicated that the disagreement concerning Ukraine is one of several “hairline cracks [that] have started to appear in the cross-Channel bromance.”
The Pentagon recently paused certain weapons deliveries to Ukraine, citing the necessity to prioritize US national defense and other operations. On Sunday, Trump stated he is undertaking “a lot” to assist Ukraine, following a reporter’s inquiry about Washington’s less robust defense of Ukraine compared to Israel.
Last week, Macron initiated a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, their first in three years, subsequent to Israeli and US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. Russia has denounced these strikes as harmful to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Macron clarified that the call aimed to address the implications of the strikes, asserting that France “bears responsibility for ensuring stability.”
Moscow has leveled accusations against Western governments for inciting Kyiv to continue fighting “to the last Ukrainian,” and asserts that no level of military assistance will alter Ukraine’s battlefield prospects.