European powers are preparing to take a more active role in Ukraine’s security, with France, the UK, and Germany willing to deploy troops to enforce a future ceasefire.
This was announced by French Finance Minister Éric Lombard in an interview with Bloomberg on February 26.
Europe Steps Up
Speaking from Cape Town during a G20 finance ministers' meeting, Lombard emphasized that any European-led peacekeeping mission would need support from the United States.
According to him, Washington has already signaled agreement.
"If we want a ceasefire to be respected, we need a U.S. backup," Lombard stated. "I believe the Americans have agreed to do that."
His remarks follow recent high-level discussions in Washington, where French President Emmanuel Macron met with U.S. President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. While trade negotiations dominated the agenda, Ukraine’s security and European involvement were key discussion points.
Macron Pushes for a Stronger European Role
Macron has long argued that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security, especially in light of shifting U.S. priorities. The French leader has suggested that European-led peacekeeping forces could play a stabilizing role in Ukraine, a concept that now appears to be gaining traction among Western allies.
While Lombard did not disclose details about the potential size or structure of the European mission, he stressed that ensuring compliance with a ceasefire would require a well-coordinated international effort.
The UK has also been discussing deeper military coordination with European allies. A high-level meeting between European leaders is reportedly being considered in London, following recent discussions in Paris last week between Macron and other European officials.
The latest push for a European security presence in Ukraine comes as tensions remain high, with Russia showing little sign of de-escalation despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Trade and Economic Talks Continue
Beyond military matters, the French delegation’s visit to Washington also focused on economic relations, including trade policies, tariffs, and regulatory barriers.
"We discussed all the issues—trade, tariffs, non-tariff barriers," Lombard said. "We agreed to continue to talk, which is a step forward."
