Macron Details Three-Pillar Plan for Ukraine’s Future Security and Ceasefire Monitoring

French President Emmanuel Macron outlined a series of steps aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defense and maintaining international pressure on Russia, including a legal review of the potential role of foreign forces in supporting a ceasefire.

Speaking after the Paris summit with European leaders on March 27, Macron stated that participating countries had reaffirmed their commitment to assisting Ukraine and called for continued support to ensure the country is in the best position for negotiations.

Foreign ministers were tasked with reviewing legal aspects surrounding any future ceasefire monitoring forces and were given three weeks to report back with their findings. While Macron noted there was no unanimity on sending a European-led reassurance force to Ukraine, he also stated that such a force was not essential for moving forward with other measures.

Emmanuel Macron confirmed that France and the United Kingdom would lead a “reassurance force” for Ukraine. Macron has maintained his stance on deploying Western troops to Ukraine, despite facing significant opposition in recent weeks.

He clarified that these “reassurance forces” would not serve as “peacekeeping forces,” nor would they be stationed on the front lines or replace the Ukrainian military. Instead, the forces would be strategically placed in pre-identified locations alongside Ukrainian troops, with the primary goal of deterring potential Russian aggression. Macron added, “These forces can in no way replace or reduce our efforts on NATO's eastern flank.”

Macron identified three key components of the future security strategy for Ukraine: strengthening the Ukrainian military, a reassurance force positioned in strategic areas, and a broader push to rearm Europe and represent European interests in peace talks.

He emphasized the importance of bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities, noting the planned Franco-British mission to Kyiv, which will assess Ukraine’s military needs.

In addition, Macron pointed to Russian advancements, including its increased military presence in Belarus, as a reason for the continued need for European unity. He and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer were given a mandate to maintain momentum on these initiatives.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia is preparing for a spring offensive, with Moscow focusing its forces on an attack, particularly in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions.