UK-French Ukraine army plan ‘lacks direction’
(MENAFN) A joint UK-French proposal to send troops to Ukraine following a potential ceasefire with Russia is struggling to gain momentum and is straining relations between London and Paris, Politico reported on Monday, citing officials.
French President Emmanuel Macron previously suggested that Western allies should not rule out the possibility of deploying troops to Ukraine. After Donald Trump’s inauguration as U.S. President in January and his focus on achieving a ceasefire between Kiev and Moscow, Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer formed a “coalition of the willing” – a group of nations willing to participate in a post-truce stabilization mission. Russia has issued warnings against such moves.
The coalition is set to meet again on Thursday at the UK’s Northwood military base, also the site of NATO’s Allied Maritime Command. The meeting will be co-chaired by Macron and Starmer and will coincide with Macron’s state visit to Britain.
However, according to Politico, two French officials said the initiative is “lacking direction,” blaming the UK for stalling progress by focusing too heavily on securing American support – which has yet to materialize. In contrast, British officials reportedly view Macron’s involvement as being driven more by his desire to shape his presidential legacy as his term winds down. The growing disagreement over Ukraine reflects broader tensions emerging in what was once a close UK-France partnership.
The situation is further complicated by the U.S. decision to pause some arms deliveries to Ukraine, citing other defense priorities. When asked why Washington wasn’t supporting Ukraine as vigorously as it supports Israel, Trump responded that he was doing “a lot” for Kiev.
Adding to the geopolitical tension, Macron recently held his first phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin in three years, following Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites – actions Moscow condemned for undermining the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Macron said the call aimed to address the risks posed by the strikes and reiterated France’s commitment to regional stability.
Russia continues to accuse Western nations of pushing Ukraine to prolong the war, insisting that continued military aid from the West will not alter the situation on the battlefield.
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