As the war in Ukraine grinds on, talks of peace remain distant but not impossible.
Preparing for that possibility, France and the United Kingdom are exploring how to play a more active role in securing a ceasefire, according to Digi24.
The idea of sending troops to monitor the front lines is back on the table, reflecting Europe’s growing concern about the conflict spilling closer to its borders.
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Exploring New Roles
An anonymous NATO official told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that Paris and London are discussing plans to support Ukraine in potential peace negotiations with Russia.
While these discussions are happening outside NATO’s formal structure, the stakes are clear. European leaders want to be ready if a new U.S. administration, led by Donald Trump, pushes for greater European involvement.
The proposals include deploying French and British forces to oversee a ceasefire if one is established. This step would ensure that Europe remains a key player in talks mediated by Trump, who has hinted at a desire to broker peace.
Security and Strategy
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has left the door open. While he stressed that France is not currently planning to send combat troops, he said the country "won’t rule anything out."
Supporting Ukraine, Barrot explained, is about protecting Europe itself.
“Every kilometer gained by the Russian army is a kilometer closer to Europe,” he said.
This isn’t the first time the idea has surfaced. French President Emmanuel Macron floated it earlier this year, suggesting that troops could be deployed if Russia crosses key front-line positions and Kyiv requests help.
Not everyone agrees that foreign troops are the answer.
Estonia’s Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur argued that Ukraine doesn’t need soldiers from abroad but greater investment in its own military production.
For him, empowering Ukraine’s self-defense capabilities is a more sustainable path.
