Ukraine is discussing with France a possible deployment of foreign troops to maintain a possible ceasefire. A controversial idea, rejected by Russia. Zelensky also talks about the training of Ukrainian soldiers in France, despite a recent scandal…
The question of a possible deployment of foreign forces in Ukraine resurfaces, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claims to have discussed it with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron during a telephone interview. This idea, mentioned several times in recent months, arouses as much hope as controversy.
A contingent to maintain a possible ceasefire
According to the remarks reported by Zelensky, the conversation with Macron focused in particular on “ the deployment of partner contingents » in Ukraine. The objective would be to ensure the maintenance of a hypothetical ceasefire between Russian and Ukrainian forces, a prospect which remains very uncertain for the moment.
The idea had already been put forward last December by the new US President Donald Trump, who is due to take office on January 20. Zelensky himself estimated that such an international contingent would be “ one of the best instruments to force Russia into peace ».
A project rejected by Moscow
Unsurprisingly, this hypothesis was firmly rejected by Russia, which considers it “ premature “. Moscow categorically refuses any foreign military presence in Ukraine, seeing it as interference in what it considers its territory.
Despite this Russian veto, the idea continues to gain ground among kyiv’s Western allies. In mid-December, French leaders Emmanuel Macron and Polish leaders Donald Tusk discussed this possibility together. It remains to be seen whether this project is truly viable on diplomatic and military levels.
The training of Ukrainian soldiers in question
During their exchange, Zelensky and Macron also addressed the thorny issue of training Ukrainian soldiers in France. A sensitive subject since a scandal broke out last month around the “Anne de kyiv” brigade, partially trained on French soil.
Since its return to Ukraine, this unit has faced mass desertions and suspicions of abuse of power on the part of its commanders. An investigation is underway to shed light on these dysfunctions which tarnish the image of Franco-Ukrainian military cooperation.
Despite this incident, Zelensky announced in December that a second brigade should soon be formed in France. A project which seems to be confirmed, even if the details remain to be clarified. The stakes are high for the Ukrainian army, which is counting on the support of its allies to modernize its forces and face the Russian threat.
Towards an internationalization of the conflict?
Beyond the technical aspects, this possible deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine raises major geopolitical questions. Some see this as a risk of escalation and internationalization of the conflict, which could degenerate into direct confrontation between the West and Russia.
Others believe, on the contrary, that only a dissuasive military presence will make it possible to put pressure on Moscow so that it finally agrees to negotiate seriously. A risky bet, as Russia has repeatedly demonstrated its determination to defend its strategic interests in the region, even if it means resorting to force.
In this explosive context, the discussions between Zelensky and Macron demonstrate the desire of Westerners to have more influence in the resolution of this conflict which has destabilized Europe for almost nine years. It remains to be seen whether this strategy will bear fruit, or whether it will only fuel tensions with an increasingly unpredictable and aggressive Russia.
One thing is certain: Ukraine is more than ever at the heart of a geopolitical standoff that extends well beyond its borders. And if an international military deployment were to materialize, it would undoubtedly mark a major turning point in this conflict which continues to get bogged down. With all the risks this entails for stability and peace in Europe.
