France and the United Kingdom are contemplating leading a coalition to send troops to Ukraine, amidst concerns of a potential withdrawal of U.S. military support starting January 2024. This discussion has gained momentum following the recent election of Donald Trump as President of the United States.
The specifics of the troop deployment remain unclear, but sources indicate that the debate has resurfaced, particularly during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Paris for the November 11 commemorations.
A British military source stated, "Discussions are ongoing between the United Kingdom and France regarding defense collaboration, with the aim of establishing a core group of allies in Europe focused on Ukraine and broader European security." French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized that no options are off the table in supporting Ukraine, including the possibility of deploying French ground troops.
While official confirmation from the French Defense Ministry and the Élysée Palace is pending, concrete proposals have been on the table for months. Notably, the semi-public firm Défense Conseil International (DCI) has expressed readiness to transfer training of Ukrainian soldiers to Ukraine itself and to maintain French military equipment there.
The prospect of direct involvement by European troops in the Ukraine conflict raises fears of a complete escalation of the war, potentially leading to a nuclear confrontation between NATO and Russia. The recent supply of long-range missiles to Ukraine, capable of striking deep within Russia, has heightened these concerns.
If regular troops from France, the UK, and possibly other European nations engage with Russian forces in Ukraine, a direct military confrontation between Russia and NATO could become inevitable, with unpredictable consequences.