France, allies to ‘finalize’ plan to send military trainers to Ukraine

Macron on Friday called Ukraine’s request for in-country training “legitimate” and said several partners have “already given their agreement.”

“We are going to use the coming days to finalize a coalition, as broad as possible,” he said.

The news comes roughly a week after the Biden administration announced the United States will allow Ukraine to use U.S.-provided weapons for limited military targets inside Russia — another former red line.

Since the early days of the war, some allies, notably the United States and Germany, have been focused on laying out red lines to avoid getting drawn deeper into conflict with Russia. But more than two years into the war, the lines seem to be shifting.

On Friday, Macron downplayed the risk of escalation. “This is not deploying … European soldiers on the front line. It is recognizing the sovereignty of Ukraine over its territory,” he said. “Who would we be to give in to the invocations or threats of Russia?”

Russia has warned France and allies against the plan saying foreign soldiers on the ground in Ukraine could be hit. “Regardless of their status, military officials or mercenaries represent a legitimate target for our armed forces,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned this week.

Macron on Thursday also announced a new commitment to transfer fighter jets to Ukraine and train Ukrainian soldiers and pilots.