France and UK in Advanced Talks to Deploy Troops or PMCs to Ukraine, Le Monde Reports

Nov 25, 2024, 02:31 PM

European countries, notably France and the United Kingdom, are reportedly discussing the possibility of deploying troops or private military contractors to Ukraine, according to French newspaper Le Monde. The discussions are said to be at advanced stages, intensifying after Donald Trump's election victory amid concerns over a potential U.S. disengagement from Ukraine following his inauguration. French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer have engaged in defense cooperation talks, including during Armistice Day commemorations earlier this month, aiming to form a core group of European allies to support Ukraine and ensure broader European security. Scenarios being considered include deploying troops if Russian forces make significant advances, such as approaching Kyiv, assisting in training the Ukrainian army after a future armistice, and strengthening disengagement talks. The renewed deliberations, initially raised by Macron in February, reflect the escalation of the war in Ukraine and the necessity for Europe to reassess its role in the conflict.