Macron says 26 countries ready to send troops or support Ukraine

As of today, September 4, a total of 26 countries have expressed readiness to send their soldiers to Ukraine or support such a mission, said French President Emmanuel Macron following a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing.

Macron noted that within the coalition, 26 nations have pledged to help guarantee Ukraine’s security.

"These 26 countries agreed to deploy troops to Ukraine as a guarantee force, or to be present on land, sea, or in the air to support Ukraine and its territory the day after a ceasefire or peace agreement is reached," Macron said.

He added that the mission does not intend to wage any war against Russia. The goal is to guarantee peace and send a clear strategic signal.

"The deployment will take place under ceasefire conditions, not on the frontline, but in geographic zones that are currently being defined. The aim is to prevent any new large-scale aggression and ensure the clear involvement of these 26 states in Ukraine's long-term security," the French President added.

The coalition is actively discussing the possibility of sending soldiers to Ukraine after a truce or peace is established, to prevent Russia from attempting another invasion.

Just a week ago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that both expected and unexpected countries had expressed readiness to send troops to Ukraine, though he did not specify which ones.

Moscow has already opposed the initiative. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, however, stressed that Russia has no right to influence the possible presence of allied forces in Ukraine.