France calls for U.S. support to enforce Ukraine ceasefire with European troops

French Finance Minister Eric Lombard stated this, Bloomberg reports.

France expects the United States to provide military support to ensure stability in Ukraine once a ceasefire with Russia is in place. Speaking at a G20 meeting in Cape Town, Lombard emphasized that European countries, including France and the UK, are ready to send troops to guarantee the truce but require U.S. backing.  

“If we want a ceasefire to be respected, we need U.S. backup,” Lombard stated, adding that he believes Washington has agreed to this role. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s administration is pushing for a diplomatic resolution to end the three-year war quickly, with reports indicating that Ukraine and the U.S. have also reached an agreement on developing Ukraine’s natural resources.  

Lombard and French President Emmanuel Macron recently met with U.S. officials, including Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, to discuss Ukraine, trade, and economic cooperation. Despite ongoing tensions, Lombard noted progress in negotiations, with further discussions set for April during the IMF and World Bank meetings.  

France continues to emphasize multilateralism and European unity, particularly as Trump challenges global institutions historically led by the U.S. His administration has already distanced itself from organizations like the WHO, the Human Rights Council, and the Paris climate accord. Amid shifting alliances, France aims to reinforce its role in international diplomacy and security in Ukraine.

• French President Emmanuel Macron urged his American counterpart Donald Trump during a meeting on February 24 to avoid a trade war with Europe and instead focus on China.