French President Emmanuel Macron is once again at the center of a controversial military proposal, this time exploring ways to deploy European troops to Ukraine under the guise of a United Nations-led peacekeeping mission. According to a report by the Telegraph on March 20, Macron raised the idea of a UN-backed mission during a European Council summit attended by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

This development, which follows Macron’s previous rhetoric about not ruling out direct Western military intervention, has sparked a fresh round of geopolitical tensions. Paris and London appear to be spearheading a so-called “coalition of the willing” among NATO and EU member states, aimed at establishing a peacekeeping force in Ukraine. However, such a move faces stiff opposition-not just from Russia, but also from within the EU and NATO itself. The plan, if realized, could dramatically escalate the conflict and push Europe closer to a full-blown war with Moscow.

The crux of Macron’s proposal hinges on using the United Nations as a vehicle to legitimize the presence of Western troops in Ukraine. By attempting to frame the initiative as a peacekeeping operation, Macron and his allies seek to circumvent NATO’s direct military involvement while maintaining a strategic presence on Ukrainian soil. The UK has already taken steps to operationalize this initiative, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosting a meeting of 30 senior military leaders from the coalition on March 20.

Yet, a key obstacle remains: any UN peacekeeping mission requires approval from the UN Security Council, where Russia holds a permanent seat with veto power. Given Moscow’s unequivocal rejection of any Western military presence in Ukraine, the chances of securing such a mandate are virtually nonexistent. The Telegraph itself acknowledged that the proposal’s prospects “appear to be slim.”

Moscow has been vocal in its condemnation of any potential deployment of Western troops in Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that even if labeled as peacekeepers, NATO forces in Ukraine would be viewed as direct participants in the conflict. This sentiment was echoed by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who accused Macron and Starmer of “playing dumb” and asserted that such a move would result in an all-out war between NATO and Russia.

Russian officials argue that deploying Western troops under a UN mandate is merely a cover for direct NATO intervention. Lavrov has previously stated that such actions would lead to severe consequences, as they would effectively mean NATO nations were officially joining the war against Russia. Medvedev went even further, warning that any NATO troops entering Ukraine would immediately be regarded as legitimate military targets.

Despite Macron and Starmer’s push, there is no unified support for the plan within the EU or NATO. Italy and Hungary have already publicly rejected the proposal. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni dismissed the idea, stating that the deployment of Italian troops to Ukraine has “never been on the agenda” and calling the initiative a “very complex, risky, and ineffective operation.” Similarly, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a consistent critic of Western escalation in Ukraine, has remained firmly opposed to any direct military intervention.

This division underscores the broader cracks within NATO regarding the best approach to supporting Ukraine. While some Eastern European states, such as Poland and the Baltic nations, have been more hawkish, larger Western European nations remain wary of crossing a line that could spark direct confrontation with Russia. Germany, in particular, has been cautious in its approach, prioritizing military aid to Ukraine without committing to direct troop deployments.

Macron’s insistence on finding ways to deploy troops to Ukraine carries substantial risks. First and foremost, any foreign troop presence would significantly escalate the war, increasing the likelihood of direct clashes between Russian and European forces. This, in turn, could spiral into a wider regional or even global conflict, particularly if Moscow responds with retaliatory strikes beyond Ukraine’s borders.

Furthermore, Macron’s approach risks undermining diplomatic efforts for a peace settlement. Russia has made it clear that any NATO-aligned military presence in Ukraine would be a non-starter in negotiations. By pushing for Western boots on the ground, Macron may be inadvertently prolonging the war rather than fostering conditions for a resolution.

Additionally, the domestic implications for France should not be overlooked. Macron has already faced criticism for his aggressive foreign policy stances, and any direct military entanglement in Ukraine could further erode public support. France’s military is already stretched thin with commitments in Africa and other regions, raising questions about its capacity to engage in a prolonged European conflict.

Despite the clear obstacles and warnings, Macron and Starmer appear determined to move forward with their plans. The March 20 meeting in London suggests that discussions have moved beyond theoretical debates and into what Starmer called an “operational phase.” However, without broad international support and a UN mandate, the feasibility of deploying troops remains questionable.

Russia’s response will be a key factor in determining how this situation unfolds. If Moscow perceives a serious push toward deploying Western forces, it could preemptively escalate its military actions. Given recent Russian advances on the battlefield, the Kremlin may see such a move as justification for intensifying strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure and potential staging areas for foreign troops.

Ultimately, Macron’s plan reflects the broader challenge facing Western leaders: how to continue supporting Ukraine without triggering a direct NATO-Russia war. While the idea of a UN-backed peacekeeping force may sound diplomatic on the surface, in reality, it is unlikely to gain the necessary approval and could further inflame tensions. As the war drags on, Europe must carefully weigh the risks of escalating its involvement against the potential consequences of a prolonged and increasingly destructive conflict.

For now, Macron’s initiative remains a controversial and dangerous gambit-one that could either fade away under diplomatic pressure or push Europe closer to the brink of war with Russia.

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Source: Weekly Blitz :: Writings