European countries revisit possibility of sending troops to Ukraine

European countries have revived discussions on the potential deployment of foreign troops and private defense companies to Ukraine, reports Le Monde, citing sources. 

These talks resumed after Donald Trump’s victory this month in the U.S. presidential election.

The discussions are currently “classified and sensitive,” but it is known that the issue was on the agenda during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to France on Nov. 11.

Britain and France are likely to lead a coalition of countries to send ground troops to Ukraine. 

“Negotiations between the two countries are ongoing regarding defense cooperation, particularly aimed at creating a strong core of European allies focused on Ukraine and broader European security,” the Paris-based publication said.

French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot reaffirmed France’s steadfast support for Ukraine on Nov. 23. When asked whether this support could include sending ground troops, he said: “We do not rule out any options.”

He added: “Every time the Russian army advances by one square kilometer, the threat moves one square kilometer closer to Europe.” 

The idea of sending ground troops to Ukraine was first proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron in February. At the time, most EU countries publicly rejected the idea, though some, including the Czech Republic and Estonia, have called for further discussion.

The Ukrainian World Congress and French societal leaders are urging Macron to send foreign military instructors to Ukraine. A letter urging this action has been sent to the French president’s administration and was also published in Le Monde.