Volodymyr Zelensky says he discussed with Emmanuel Macron the “deployment of foreign contingents”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Monday January 13 that he had discussed with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron support for Ukraine and a possible “deployment of contingents” foreign military personnel in this country, an idea raised in recent months by kyiv's allies.

“The conversation was quite long and detailed. We discussed defense support. (…) We also discussed the deployment of partner contingents and the training of our soldiers”indicated Volodymyr Zelensky in his daily address broadcast on social networks. According to him, the two leaders also discussed the “investments in the purchase of shells for Ukraine”Mr. Zelensky further affirmed.

The idea of ​​deploying European troops in Ukraine has been raised several times in recent months amid speculation about possible future peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. This contingent would be deployed to ensure the maintenance of a hypothetical ceasefire, which was notably called for by US President-elect Donald Trump, who is due to take office on January 20.

An “instrument” of peace deemed “premature” by Moscow

Mr. Zelensky estimated last week that such a contingent would be “one of the best instruments” pour “force Russia into peace”.

This hypothesis, which was raised in particular in mid-December between French leaders Emmanuel Macron and Polish leaders Donald Tusk, was rejected by Russia, which described it as “premature”.

Volodymyr Zelensky and Emmanuel Macron spoke on Monday about the training of Ukrainian soldiers in France while a scandal has rocked the “Anne of kyiv” brigade since last month, since its return to Ukraine. This brigade, partially trained in France, faces massive desertions and suspicions of abuse of power by its commanders, which Ukrainian investigators are currently looking into. Mr. Zelensky announced in December that a second brigade must be formed in France soon.