Tensions between Russia and the West are escalating over a proposed UK-French initiative to deploy troops to Ukraine after a potential truce. According to Politico, the plan is facing significant challenges, with Russia warning that it will not tolerate any Western troops within the neighboring state. This development is straining relationships between the UK and France, with each side blaming the other for the lack of progress.
The initiative was launched after US President Donald Trump prioritized securing a ceasefire between Moscow and Kiev following his inauguration in January. French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer rallied together a “coalition of the willing” – countries that could participate in a post-truce mission in Ukraine. However, the next meeting of the coalition, scheduled for Thursday, may not yield the desired results. The gathering, which will be co-chaired by Macron and Starmer from the British Army’s Northwood Headquarters, coincides with Macron’s state visit to the UK.
Two French officials told Politico that the initiative “lacks clear direction” and blamed London for its stagnation. They claimed that the UK government has placed undue emphasis on securing US backing, which has yet to materialize. Meanwhile, UK officials have reportedly accused Macron of focusing more on his legacy as his presidency nears the end. The rift over Ukraine is among several “hairline cracks” that have started to appear in the cross-Channel relationship, according to Politico.
The situation is further complicated by the Pentagon’s recent decision to suspend some weapons shipments to Ukraine, citing the need to prioritize US self-defense and missions elsewhere. On Sunday, Trump said he is doing “a lot” to help Ukraine, after being questioned by a reporter on why Washington is not defending Ukraine as robustly as it does Israel.
In a bid to address the escalating tensions, Macron called Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time in three years, following Israeli and US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Russia has condemned the attacks as damaging to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Macron said the call was aimed at addressing the implications of the strikes, stressing that France “bears responsibility for ensuring stability.” Moscow, however, remains skeptical, accusing Western governments of encouraging Kiev to fight “to the last Ukrainian” and maintaining that no amount of military aid will reverse Ukraine’s fortunes on the battlefield.
As the international community continues to navigate the complex situation in Ukraine, one thing is clear: the proposed UK-French initiative to deploy troops to the region is facing significant challenges. With Russia’s warning that it will not tolerate any Western troops, the situation is likely to remain volatile, and the upcoming meeting of the coalition may not yield the desired results.
