Quick Read
- Ukrainian President Zelenskiy announced thousands of foreign troops may secure Ukraine post-conflict.
- French President Macron confirmed commitments from 26 nations for Ukraine’s security guarantees.
- Russian President Putin warned Western troops in Ukraine would be ‘legitimate targets.’
- Ukraine prioritizes EU membership as key to its security and recovery postwar.
- U.S. President Trump ruled out troops but offered air support for Ukraine.
In a pivotal development for Ukraine’s postwar security, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and French President Emmanuel Macron have announced significant progress in securing international commitments. Speaking on September 5, 2025, Zelenskiy revealed that thousands of foreign troops might be deployed to Ukraine under a framework of security guarantees provided by 26 allied nations. The announcement underscores the importance of robust international backing for Ukraine as it seeks to stabilize and rebuild after years of conflict with Russia.
Macron’s 26-Nation Coalition for Ukraine
French President Emmanuel Macron, in a statement on September 4, outlined a coalition of 26 countries ready to provide security guarantees for Ukraine. The guarantees include on-the-ground deployment, naval and aerial support, as well as training and equipping Ukrainian forces. While some nations are prepared to send troops directly into Ukraine, others are opting to contribute through logistical and technical support from outside the country. Macron’s announcement marks a significant diplomatic achievement, further solidifying Ukraine’s ties with Western allies.
President Zelenskiy, during a meeting with European Council President Antonio Costa in Uzhhorod, emphasized the necessity of these guarantees. “It will definitely be in the thousands, not just a few,” he stated, while refraining from elaborating on specifics. According to a report by LMFM, the discussions with Costa also focused on Ukraine’s EU accession talks, which Zelenskiy views as essential for the country’s long-term security and economic recovery.
Putin’s Response: A Warning Against Western Troops
Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on September 5, issued a stark warning against the deployment of Western troops in Ukraine. He declared that any such forces would be considered “legitimate targets” for Russian military action. Putin’s remarks, reported by Denver Gazette, reflect Moscow’s continued opposition to any foreign military presence in Ukraine, even under a peace agreement. He further dismissed the necessity of foreign troops post-conflict, stating, “I simply do not see any sense in their presence.”
The Kremlin has consistently opposed the idea of a Western-led peacekeeping force in Ukraine, arguing that such an arrangement would undermine Russia’s security interests. Putin’s warnings come as tensions between Kyiv and Moscow remain high, with ongoing aerial assaults from Russia and retaliatory drone attacks by Ukraine.
Global Reactions and U.S. Position
International reactions to Ukraine’s security guarantees have been mixed. While European nations like Italy, Poland, and Germany have expressed their readiness to support Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump has taken a more cautious approach. According to Devdiscourse, Trump has ruled out deploying American troops on Ukrainian soil but has indicated a willingness to provide air support and advanced military equipment. During a recent conversation with Zelenskiy, Trump emphasized “maximum protection” for Ukraine’s skies to shield the nation from ongoing Russian airstrikes.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom and Estonia have pledged their support, signaling their commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty. However, the path to implementing these guarantees remains fraught with challenges, including logistical coordination among participating nations and the persistent threat of Russian retaliation.
Broader Implications for Ukraine’s Future
As Ukraine navigates these complex dynamics, the importance of international security guarantees cannot be overstated. Zelenskiy’s government views these measures as critical for preventing future aggression from Russia and ensuring a stable recovery. In addition to military guarantees, Kyiv is also pushing for economic and political integration with the European Union. Speaking in Uzhhorod, Zelenskiy reiterated his commitment to EU membership, describing it as a cornerstone of Ukraine’s postwar strategy.
However, the road ahead is uncertain. Slovakia, a key transit country for Russian oil, remains divided on its stance toward Moscow. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who recently met with Putin, has advocated for normalizing relations with Russia, complicating Ukraine’s efforts to unite European allies against Moscow. Additionally, disruptions in the Druzhba pipeline, caused by Ukrainian drone strikes, have strained relations with Slovakia, highlighting the broader geopolitical complexities at play.
Despite these challenges, Ukraine’s leadership remains resolute. As Zelenskiy stated, “Every step we take toward security guarantees and European integration is a step toward peace and stability for our nation.”
As Ukraine moves closer to securing international support, the nation stands at a critical juncture. The collaboration between Zelenskiy and Macron, along with the backing of Western allies, offers a beacon of hope for a peaceful and secure future, even as Russia continues to pose significant threats.