Macron Leads Coalition Efforts for Ukraine's Defense Amid U.S. Policy Shift
On Tuesday, March 11, French President Emmanuel Macron convened a critical meeting of military chiefs from 30 European and NATO countries to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine in the wake of any agreed truce with Russia. This meeting aims to formulate a collective European response to the changing dynamics in U.S.-Russia relations under President Trump, who has recently resumed discussions with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Macron's initiative comes at a significant moment, with Ukraine engaged in negotiations with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia regarding a potential partial ceasefire. Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu described the closed-door meeting as pivotal, stating that it would lay the groundwork for future security assurances for Ukraine. "It is a matter of looking ahead and considering the future of the Ukrainian army," he noted. Lecornu emphasized that any form of demilitarization of Ukraine is unacceptable.
Notably, Ukraine boasts over 800,000 troops, making its military the largest in Europe, as stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky. As the military conflict with Russia continues more than three years on from the initial invasion, European nations are increasingly eager to enhance their defense capabilities and reduce their reliance on U.S. military support.
Concerns are rising in Kyiv and among European allies, especially as Trump has criticized Zelensky and suspended military aid. The fear is that Trump might pressure Ukraine into accepting terms favorable to Russia in peace talks. To counter this unsettling shift, Macron is pushing for support from major European military powers, including France, Britain, Germany, Italy, and Poland, with discussions on strengthening European military infrastructure.
In conjunction with these meetings, Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are spearheading initiatives to build a coalition of nations willing to uphold a ceasefire in Ukraine. Each of these leaders recognizes the urgency of transitioning their defense industries into a wartime economy to meet the evolving security challenges.
Following the military chiefs' discussions, a subsequent meeting including the defense ministers of Europe's leading military nations is scheduled in Paris for Wednesday. This gathering will also see the participation of EU and NATO representatives, along with Ukraine's defense minister, to deliberate on the necessary rearmament of Europe and bolster military support for Ukraine.
Simultaneously, a new defense mobilization plan introduced by EU chief Ursula von der Leyen aims to secure approximately 800 billion euros ($843 billion) for bolstering Europe's defense systems and extending immediate military assistance to Ukraine. Macron has indicated that France's defense budget will also see an increase, targeting around 100 billion euros annually by 2025, a considerable rise from current expenditures.
Turkey, with NATO's second-largest army and strategic Black Sea access, seeks to enhance its role in ensuring European security, especially amidst the changing U.S. stance. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has publicly backed Zelensky's calls for a truce in the air and naval sectors, indicating Turkey's commitment to a peaceful resolution and stability in the region.
As Europe mobilizes its resources and forms strategic partnerships for Ukraine's defense, the outcomes of these military meetings could significantly influence the trajectory of peace negotiations and the future security landscape of Europe.
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