France Takes Leading Role in European Coalition Supporting Ukraine’s Security and Defence
France Strengthens European Support for Ukraine
In a significant development, twenty-six allied nations have committed to providing troops for Ukraine’s post-conflict security, with France taking a central role in these efforts. The commitment was announced following a summit of the coalition of the willing in Paris, where French President Emmanuel Macron met with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Intelligence Sharing and Military Support
France has demonstrated its commitment by maintaining military intelligence sharing with Ukraine, even as the United States announced a pause in its intelligence sharing activities. This decision was confirmed by French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu.
The coalition has pledged substantial military support, including €40 billion in 2025 to strengthen Ukraine’s Security and Defense Forces. Key priorities include enhancing Ukraine’s integrated air-defence capabilities and increasing support to counter Russian drone attacks.
Diplomatic Leadership
Several European nations have expressed their commitment to achieving a strategic victory for Ukraine and its integration into the Western security order. France has been particularly active in engaging with other European leaders on future legal, political, military, and operational guarantees for Ukraine.
Future Security Framework
According to Macron, the 26 countries have formally committed to deploying a ‘reassurance force’ in Ukraine, with presence on the ground, sea, and air. These troops would not be deployed on the front line but would aim to prevent any new major aggression. Zelenskyy has welcomed this development as “the first such serious concrete step” in a long time.
Macron’s leadership has earned him significant trust among Ukrainians, with 58 percent expressing confidence in him. His long-standing relationship with key international leaders positions France well to maintain diplomatic channels while advancing European support for Ukraine.
