Macron names key Ukrainian cities Kyiv, Odesa, Lviv as focus of European military presence

 In an interview with regional daily newspapers, including Le Parisien-Aujourd’hui en France, Macron outlined the steps being taken. 

Macron spoke of the Franco-British plan that is nearing completion, which has already garnered interest from "several countries." He clarified that the goal is not to deploy large numbers of soldiers but rather to focus on a targeted, strategic presence. 

"The objective is not to create a massive military force," Macron noted. He pointed out that "the largest European army today is the Ukrainian army, with one million soldiers." Therefore, the plan revolves around "deploying a few thousand troops per nation, at key strategic locations, to carry out training programs" and to "show our support in a sustained manner."

In terms of specific locations, centers such as Kyiv, Odesa, and Lviv have been mentioned as potential sites for deployment. 

Macron was adamant that European countries will not seek permission from Russia in this matter. "Ukraine is a sovereign nation," he emphasized. "If it requests allied forces to be stationed on its territory, it is not for Russia to decide whether or not to accept it."