Macron presents plan to parliamentary forces on deploying French troops to Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron held closed-door consultations at the Elysee Palace with representatives of parliamentary parties regarding the possible deployment of several thousand French troops to Ukraine after a peace agreement is reached.

That is according to Le Monde, Ukrinform reports.

"We will not be on the front line, but we will be there to support the Ukrainian army," Macron recalled during the meeting, once again stressing that international forces will be stationed far from the front line.

The meeting, held two days after the Paris summit of the Coalition of the Willing, was attended by French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin, the Chief of the Defense Staff, the presidents of the Senate and National Assembly, the leaders of parliamentary groups and parties, as well as the heads of parliamentary committees on foreign affairs and defense.

According to the president's entourage, Macron provided political forces with confidential details regarding a possible French contribution so that "everyone clearly understands the parameters of the proposed plan."

Macron said that troop deployment was being considered as one of the elements of security guarantees for Ukraine after a possible ceasefire and would take place with the support of the United States. Chief of the Defense Staff Fabien Mandon clarified that it concerns deterrence units aimed at supporting the Ukrainian military.

"French forces will not be demarcation or stabilization forces," the general said, describing them instead as "forces guaranteeing security for the Ukrainian army."

However, some political forces in France expressed concerns about the initiative. Representatives of the far left, far right, and the Communists declared they do not support deploying French troops without a UN mandate. The leader of the National Rally faction, Marine Le Pen, also argued that partnership with the United States is impossible after the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu stated that parliamentary debates on the matter are expected to take place within two to three weeks under Article 50-1 of the Constitution, with or without a vote.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine