Amid the escalation of the war in Ukraine, discussions have resumed about sending Western troops and private defense companies to Ukraine, Le Monde reports from confirmed sources. It is noted that these discussions were resumed due to the possible withdrawal of America's support for Kyiv after Donald Trump takes office as president of the United States on January 20, 2025. This was reported by UNN.
Details
The discussion of sending "troops" to Ukraine, which was launched by French President Emmanuel Macron at a meeting of Kyiv's allies in Paris in February, was strongly opposed by some European countries, led by Germany. However, this scenario was not "buried". According to Le Monde , it has even been revived in recent weeks in connection with the visit of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to France during the November 11 ceremonies.
"There are ongoing talks between the UK and France on defense cooperation, in particular with a view to creating a solid core of allies in Europe focused on Ukraine and European security in a broader sense," a British military source told Le Monde.
The country's Defense Ministry and the Elysee Palace have not yet officially authorized the deployment of conventional troops or private contractors. But proposals have been on the table for several months. One of them is Défense Conseil International (DCI), the French Ministry of Defense's main operator for monitoring export contracts for French weapons and transferring relevant military know-how. DCI is 55% owned by the French government.
The DCI, which consists of 80 percent former military personnel, will be ready to continue training Ukrainian soldiers in Ukraine, as it already does in France and Poland. If necessary, it can also maintain French military equipment sent to Kyiv. The British company Babcock, which is already present in Ukraine, has approached DCI with a proposal to share its facilities. In May, Babcock announced that "work is underway" to establish a technical support site in Ukraine, "including the repair and overhaul of military equipment," according to its annual report.
Addendum
During a visit to London on November 22, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called on Western allies "not to set or express red lines" in their support for Ukraine. When asked about the possibility of sending French troops to the region, he said: "We are not ruling out any options.