Macron Announces 26 Nations Ready to Send Peacekeeping Troops to Ukraine

Europe increases pressure on Russia. Despite Russian warnings, Macron now announces that 26 countries may send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine. "We are ready to mobilize to stop Russia's war efforts," he said at a press conference.

On Thursday, representatives from 30 countries in the "Coalition of the Willing" met in Paris. In a video call, they also spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The agenda focused on how to provide Ukraine with security guarantees in an agreement with Russia.

Ukraine has requested that Europe promise guarantees in the form of troops on the ground.

Now comes the promise of peacekeeping forces to Ukraine—if peace or a ceasefire is achieved. French President Macron announced on Thursday afternoon that 26 countries are ready to send security forces that would be active on the ground, in the air, and at sea.

"This is done to reassure the Ukrainian population and maintain the ceasefire once it has come into effect, and to uphold and guarantee peace," he said at a press conference.

Macron does not specify how many soldiers would be involved. However, he states that the forces would not be deployed at the front line, and the goal of the forces would be to deter Russia from further aggression.

Rutte: Russia Cannot Decide

The announcement comes after Russia stated it would not accept European soldiers on Ukrainian soil.

However, it is not up to Russia to decide, argues NATO chief Mark Rutte, questioning why Europe should be interested in what Russia thinks.

"If Ukraine wants security guarantees in the form of soldiers in Ukraine to support a peace settlement, it is up to them. No one else can make that decision," he says according to AFP.