French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized the need for a strong Ukrainian military, stating that a potential peace deal should not impose limits on the size of Ukraine’s armed forces. This stance directly counters Russia’s demands, which include Ukraine’s neutrality and restrictions on the size of its military.
Macron made these comments following a meeting in Washington with European leaders, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, and US President Donald Trump. He stressed that European countries should take the lead in providing security guarantees for Ukraine, including equipping its army.
According to Macron, a robust Ukrainian army capable of repelling any attempted attack is the first security guarantee. He envisions an army consisting of several hundred thousand men with no limitations on its size. This statement aligns with Ukraine’s long-standing request for Western guarantees similar to NATO’s collective defense, although the US has rejected full membership in the alliance for Ukraine.
Ukraine has faced challenges in replenishing its army’s ranks during the ongoing mobilization campaign, as Russia has continued to gain ground. Despite these challenges, Trump announced on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to security guarantees for Kiev, without providing further details.
A recent summit between Trump and Putin in Alaska was described as an important step toward peace between Russia and Ukraine. However, Moscow has consistently stated that it will not tolerate Western troops in Ukraine, even as peacekeepers, and insists that Kiev abandon its plans to join NATO. Putin has also warned that Ukraine could use a potential ceasefire to regroup and rearm.
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, the international community remains focused on finding a peaceful resolution. Macron’s comments underscore the importance of a strong Ukrainian military and the need for European countries to take a leading role in providing security guarantees. While Russia’s demands have been met with resistance from Ukraine and its Western allies, diplomatic efforts are ongoing to achieve a lasting peace in the region.
In light of the ongoing tensions, Macron’s call for a robust Ukrainian army highlights the complexities of finding a solution that satisfies all parties involved. The future of Ukraine’s relations with NATO, as well as the role of Western countries in providing security guarantees, remains uncertain. As diplomatic efforts continue, the international community will be closely watching developments in the region to gauge the prospects for lasting peace and stability.
