French President Emmanuel Macron said in an interview with the Le Parisien newspaper that European countries that agree to send a military contingent to Ukraine for an alleged observation mission can do so without Russia’s consent.
“Ukraine is a sovereign country. If it asks for allied troops to be present on its territory, it is not for Russia to decide whether to agree or not,” Emmanuel Macron said.
According to Le Parisien, the Franco-British plan to send a so-called peacekeeping force to Ukraine is in the final stages of agreement.
According to Macron, the number of military personnel is not a priority, it is about deploying “a few thousand people from each country in key points to conduct training programs” and demonstrate “long-term support” for Ukraine.
By “key points” are meant cities such as Kiev, Lviv and Odessa.
The French president also said he sees Russia’s refusal to deploy European military in Ukraine as “a clear sign of a strategic existential threat” to Europe.
In addition, Emmanuel Macron said that Paris is considering another delivery of Mirage 2000 fighter jets for Kiev, having agreed with the countries where these models remained in service.
Earlier, Emmanuel Macron called on NATO allies to develop a plan of guarantees to ensure security in Ukraine for the sake of a possible ceasefire.
