Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, has asserted that the deployment of troops by France, the United Kingdom, and other nations to Ukraine for security purposes following a potential ceasefire does not necessitate permission from Russia.

In interviews with several regional French newspapers, Macron emphasized that such deployments would not consist of large military formations but rather contingents of several thousand soldiers positioned in strategic locations throughout Ukraine.

Macron noted that numerous European and non-European countries have expressed a willingness to contribute to this effort, which aims to secure a peace agreement in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

He specified that these forces would be instrumental in conducting training programs and demonstrating ongoing support for Ukraine's sovereignty.

The French leader specifically stated, "Under no circumstances can the Ukrainians make territorial concessions without having any security guarantees." This assertion reflects the ongoing complexity of negotiations surrounding Ukraine's territorial integrity and international support.

Moscow has voiced strong opposition to the prospect of foreign troop deployments in Ukraine.

However, Macron reiterated that such decisions lie solely within the jurisdiction of Ukraine, stating, "If Ukraine requests allied forces to be on its territory, it is not up to Russia to accept or reject them."

In conjunction with his statements, Macron is scheduled to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the coming days to discuss the situation in Ukraine further, prior to an upcoming EU summit.

Additionally, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened a virtual meeting with 30 international leaders, including Macron, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and leaders from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

Following this meeting, Starmer urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire, indicating that allied nations would intensify pressure on the Kremlin, potentially advancing plans for a peacekeeping force.

Macron declared the necessity for Europe and the United States to coalesce in pressuring Russia to consent to a ceasefire, remarking that Russia does not seem genuinely committed to peace and is instead escalating hostilities.

He stated, "Russia must respond clearly and the pressure must be clear, in conjunction with the US, to obtain this ceasefire."