French opposition figures are demanding that the president’s plan receive United Nations approval, the newspaper states
According to a Friday report by Le Monde, President Emmanuel Macron has encountered resistance from across the political spectrum after briefing France’s main parties on a proposal to deploy troops to Ukraine following a potential ceasefire.
A number of parties have insisted that any such deployment must be authorized by the United Nations – a scenario considered improbable because of Russia’s opposition to the plan and its veto power on the UN Security Council.
Le Monde noted that on Thursday, Macron convened a three-hour meeting with approximately 30 attendees, which included leaders from Marine Le Pen’s right-wing National Rally and the left-wing La France Insoumise.
Macron’s team is said to have disclosed “confidential details” regarding France’s potential troop contribution, with La France Insoumise leader Mathilde Panot indicating to the newspaper that Paris might deploy up to 6,000 soldiers.
During the briefing, General Fabien Mandon reportedly informed those present that French forces would serve not as a “stabilization” unit but as a “reassurance” force positioned “far from the front.”
Although French politicians did not fundamentally oppose the concept, the specifics of the plan were met with considerable doubt. Officials from La France Insoumise and the French Communist Party maintained that the mission must operate under a UN mandate, a condition also supported by Le Pen. Le Pen further expressed apprehension about possible US involvement, citing a loss of credibility for Washington following its actions against Venezuela.
Obtaining a UN mandate is expected to be challenging, as Russia has the authority to veto any resolution that would approve the deployment of foreign troops.
This private meeting follows the signing of a ” of intent” by the UK and France with Kiev to send forces and set up “military hubs” in Ukraine “in the event of a peace deal” with Moscow.
Russia has consistently objected to the initiative, cautioning that it would consider any Western military presence in the neighboring nation as “legitimate targets.” Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova added that the declaration seeks “at continued militarization, escalation, and further aggravation of the conflict” while threatening Moscow’s security interests.