EU countries resume debate on sending troops to Ukraine – Le Monde

Source: Le Monde

Discussions have resumed within the European Union about possible deployment of  foreign military contingents and private defense companies to Ukraine. According to Le Monde, the renewed focus on this issue is linked to Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election.

Although the idea is kept under wraps, it is nothing new. French President Emmanuel Macron came up with the concept in February 2024, but soon backtracked after it drew blowback from several European nations, particularly Germany.

Interest in the idea though has never withered. It was discussed during the recent visit of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to France on November 11 as part of the plan of defense cooperation bolstering European security nd support of Ukraine.

According to Le Monde, France and the UK are considering forming a “core group” of allies that could lead such an initiative.  In his interview with BBC, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said it is important to avoid setting restrictive “red lines” when supporting Ukraine, signaling openness to various scenarios.