A Franco-British mission will visit Ukraine "in the coming days" to discuss the future format of the Ukrainian army and the possible deployment of allied forces after a potential peace agreement.
President Emmanuel Macron made the announcement on Thursday at the end of the summit of the so-called coalition of the willing to support Ukraine.
Macron indicated that within three to four weeks, there would be a clear action plan addressing the structure of the Ukrainian army and these reassurance forces, including the necessary requirements and contributors.
He added that together with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, he would lead the coalition’s efforts, which includes European countries, Canada, and institutions like the EU and NATO.
Macron stated that strengthening the Ukrainian army would be the best security guarantee for Ukraine once a peace agreement is reached.
"The British Prime Minister and I are assigning our military chiefs to ensure that our Franco-British teams can be sent to Ukraine in the coming days to precisely prepare the future structure of the Ukrainian army," he said.
The French President acknowledged that the supporting countries were not unanimously in favour of sending troops after a potential peace agreement, but consensus was not necessary, he asserted.
"It’s well established, and we will move forward and work. Therefore, there will indeed be a reassurance force with several European countries deploying," he stated.
In his press conference, Macron also announced the decision to expedite the disbursement of "loans decided at the G7" by the EU in support of Ukraine and confirmed that Ukraine’s allies unanimously agreed not to lift sanctions against Moscow.
Macron expressed his desire for Chinese President Xi Jinping to play a very active role in promoting peace in Ukraine.
"Given his quality of dialogue with Russia and the peace initiative he launched with Brazil a few months ago, I hope President Xi can actively contribute to helping us build this strong and lasting peace," he added.
During the meeting, leaders stressed that it was "not the time" to begin lifting sanctions against Russia.
