At the joint press conference, Macron said several nations had privately expressed readiness to deploy their troops as a “reassurance force” in Ukraine. The UK and France now plan to send teams of experts to Ukraine to assess how many European troops would be needed and where they should be stationed.
A central question for European countries is whether the United States is willing to play a role in supporting a European contingent if it comes under attack from Russia. Washington, however, has yet to make any commitment.
“I want the Americans to be involved,” said Macron.
“But we must be prepared for a situation in which they may not join.”
In recent weeks, European countries made sweeping commitments to drastically increase their defense spending and increase military aid shipments to Ukraine. But these measures will take years to take effect, meaning that in foreseeable future, Europe alone cannot credibly deter Russia from escalating its armed aggression on the continent.
Representatives from 31 countries—including Canada and Australia—gathered at the Paris summit to strengthen military support for Ukraine and determine what security guarantees European states are prepared to offer Kyiv. According to the report, French and UK officials view the plan as a way to secure a seat at the negotiating table after the Trump administration largely sidelined European capitals in talks with Russia. France and the UK believe deploying their troops in Ukraine will help deter Russian aggression and send a message to Washington that Europe is prepared to assume responsibility for Ukraine’s security.
French officials expressed confidence that European countries would supply naval and air assets to augment any ground forces deployed. However, questions remain about whether there will be enough troops to secure Ukraine’s territory.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it was important that Washington support any troop deployment, though it remains unclear whether a peace deal or truce allowing troop deployment will materialize.
“Clearly, we do not yet know whether there will be an agreement, or what form it might take; politically, we need realistic options,” Starmer said.
Officials in London are considering several scenarios—from a ceasefire to a full-scale peace deal—all of which hinge on U.S. support. For example, even a temporary ceasefire along the front line would require real-time monitoring using U.S. satellites.
French and UK officials said they also want U.S. missile defense systems to back any troops they deploy in Ukraine. They stressed the need for logistical support, including aerial refueling and transport aircraft.