Western powers reignite discussions on military assistance for Ukraine

As the war in Ukraine intensifies, new discussions have emerged about the potential involvement of Western military forces and private defense companies in the country. These conversations, which had initially been shelved, have gained renewed urgency amid the uncertainty surrounding the future of U.S. support for Ukraine under a potential Trump administration.

Le Monde reported that these debates, largely confidential until now, have resurfaced, particularly in light of the approaching January 2025 inauguration of Donald Trump, which may prompt a shift in American foreign policy.

The issue of deploying troops to Ukraine was first raised in February by French President Emmanuel Macron, during a high-level meeting of Ukraine’s allies in Paris. Macron’s proposal to send troops sparked immediate opposition, with Germany among the loudest voices against the idea.

However, in recent weeks, the matter has gained fresh attention. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to France for November 11 commemorations appears to have catalyzed renewed talks, with military officials from both France and the UK quietly exploring new ways to support Ukraine, including defense collaboration.

A British military source revealed that “discussions are underway between the UK and France to strengthen defense cooperation, particularly in forming a core group of European allies focused on both Ukraine and broader European security.”

This aligns with statements made by France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who, during his visit to London on November 22, advocated for keeping options open regarding Western involvement. Speaking to the BBC on November 23, Barrot said, “We should not set or declare red lines on our support for Ukraine. All options remain on the table.”

While no official authorization has been given for the deployment of French troops or private contractors, proposals are actively under consideration.

One such proposal involves Défense Conseil International (DCI), a company closely tied to the French Ministry of Armed Forces, which oversees the training of Ukrainian soldiers and the maintenance of French military equipment.

DCI has been preparing to expand its role in Ukraine, potentially working alongside British counterpart Babcock, which has been operating in Ukraine for some time.

DCI, primarily staffed by former military personnel, has already been involved in training Ukrainian forces in France and Poland. If the situation requires, DCI is ready to take on additional responsibilities, including maintaining French military equipment sent to Kyiv.

Babcock, which has worked on military vehicle repair and maintenance in Ukraine, has already approached DCI to explore potential collaboration, specifically in setting up technical support sites to service military vehicles and other essential equipment.