French in Odesa and on border with Transnistria: how Macron's initiative might unfold

He said this on the Espreso TV channel.

"Macron mentioned Odesa. Given its vulnerability due to insufficient air defense systems, why not discuss with French partners the possibility of relocating several air defense units? This isn't about protecting military targets or front lines, but rather safeguarding civilians and Odesa's infrastructure. We could also consider deploying peacekeeping or stabilization forces along the Transnistrian border, where Russia occasionally stirs up conflict. Today, there was a rather peculiar explosion at a military base in the area," noted Melnyk.

He mentioned that if troops were sent to Ukraine, they wouldn't be units directly involved in combat on the front lines. However, he added that acceptable options within the framework of international law and justifications for Western societies and policymakers could be found through discussions.

"For the first time, Macron mentioned this during a gathering in Paris. His statement was simply explosive. Macron's idea of ​​sending foreign troops to Ukraine seemed provocative and completely impossible. The initial reaction was total rejection from all participants, denial. Now it's in the process of discussion, and there is already support. Apparently, it may not be such a provocative idea after all," he explained.

• According to Le Monde, on February 21 this year, Macron said that due to the tense situation in the war between Russia and Ukraine, France would have to send troops to Ukraine. "In any case, in the next year I will have to send some of my people to Odesa," the French president said.

• On February 26, around 20 European leaders gathered in Paris to discuss the threats posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Following the conclusion of the conference, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that in the future, the deployment of Western ground forces should not be ruled out to counter Russian aggression.

• Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico confirmed that some NATO and EU member countries are allegedly discussing the possibility of sending their troops to the territory of Ukraine after signing bilateral agreements with Kyiv.

• NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and leaders of Alliance countries have stated that a collective decision regarding the deployment of troops to Ukraine has not been made, while in Russia, such a step has been labeled as a declaration of war.

• On February 29, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas stated that Western leaders should not rule out the possibility of deploying ground troops to Ukraine.

• On March 4, Macron stated that he would not be sending French troops to Ukraine in the near future, but he is opening debates on the matter. On March 5, Macron urged allies to "not be cowards" regarding Ukraine and to step up their efforts. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius responded to his call.

• Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated that the discussion sparked by French President Emmanuel Macron's remarks about the deployment of Western troops to Ukraine will save Europe a lot of time in realizing that more needs to be done.

• Macron, commenting on his proposed idea of ​​sending Western troops to Ukraine, emphasized that France is resolute and ready to invest resources to achieve victory over Russia.

• The left and right-wing French parties criticized President Emmanuel Macron's position regarding support for Ukraine, which he expressed in an interview on March 14th.