“The moment when war in Ukraine is at the stage of another escalation, the discussion about sending Western soldiers and private military companies to the country has resumed Ukraine. This is a sensitive topic and discussions around it remain secret, but they have been brought up in earnest in the face of the return Donald Trump do White House“- writes “Le Monde”, citing sources.
The French daily reminds that this debate was started in February by the French president Emmanuel Macron – has so far aroused opposition from some European countries, z Germany in the lead. However, it has become more intense in recent weeks, including: on the occasion of the visit of the British Prime Minister Keira Starmera we France.
The renewed consideration of sending Western soldiers to Ukraine is confirmed by the statement of the head of French diplomacy Jean-Noela Barrot in an interview he gave to BBC television on November 23 – notes “Le Monde”. The minister assured that the allies from the West they don't set any boundarieswhen it comes to support for Kiev in the war against Russia. When asked whether this would even mean the participation of French soldiers in the fight, he replied: “We do not rule out any option.”
Western aid in Ukraine. France and the UK are considering new options
“Le Monde” writes that it is being considered by French i British an option is to send private companies with staff. This includes: about Defense Conseil Internationalwhose main shareholder is the French state. The company would be ready to conduct military training in Ukraine or help service and repair Western military equipment.
As “Le Monde” points out, the discussion resumed at a time when the West is increasing shipments long-range weapons to Ukraine, and according to media reports, the administration of the US president Joe Biden's gave Kiev permission to use American weapons to hit targets deep inside Russia. Information about US authorization for Ukraine to use ATACMS a spokesman for the National Security Council confirmed on Monday John Kirby.
According to Ukrainian sources in the newspaper “Le Monde”, the use of this type of missiles requires Western assistance on the ground.
War in Ukraine. Paris and London are looking for allies. Among them Poland
The talks also concern the deployment of European troops along the Ukrainian-Russian border after a possible ceasefire between Kiev and Moscow as a security guarantee, because according to leaks from Trump's entourage, the future president has exclude the participation of American troops in a possible peace mission.
As assessed by the researcher from French Institute of International Relations Elie Tenenbaum, Paris and London, as well as the Baltic, Scandinavian and Polandand to a lesser extent Germany, which is too weakened by internal political instability.
“Discussions are ongoing between Great Britain and France on defense cooperation, particularly with a view to establishing core group of allies in Europefocused on Ukraine and broader European security,” the daily said, citing a source in the British service.