Description: Presidents Macron and Zelensky have discussed the possibility of French troops deployment within Ukraine’s borders in a peacekeeping or border protection capacities. Although the war with Russia is still back and forth and the fluid situation on the front is changing, Macron didn’t win plenty of support within its own government in context of the troop deployment but gained some support from eastern NATO members that border Russia.
Impact: The idea of EU or NATO members troop deployment on Ukrainian territory although widely discussed hasn’t gained support nor narrative traction as possible involvement could cause confrontation with Russia in a more direct manner. Ukraine attempts to craft its negotiation position in case peace talks commence any time soon both with military efforts and enhanced dialogue with key NATO members. Macron’s troop deployment suggestion doesn’t have any political sustenance and could not be considered a realistic possibility.