Media has learned of Macron's plan to propose to Trump the deployment of EU troops to Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron plans to offer Washington the deployment of military forces of the European Union (EU) countries in Ukraine as a condition for the start of negotiations on the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict at a meeting with US President Donald Trump in the USA. This was reported by the newspaper Politico on February 24.

"This (Paris' proposal. - Ed.) includes the participation of about 30,000 European servicemen, with the UK and France playing the leading role here," the newspaper quoted an unnamed European official as saying.

According to the newspaper's publication, French diplomats hope that Macron will be able to convince Trump that trade with Europe and its defense remain in the interests of the United States. The success of the visit will depend on the French president's ability to find common ground with Trump, who is known for his skepticism of multilateral agreements and commitment to an "America First" policy.

"President [Macron] is one of the rare leaders who has real experience of engaging with Trump and who worked closely with him during the first term of his presidency," the newspaper quoted a French leader's aide as saying.

It is noted that Macron has chances to convince Trump that the EU is beginning to take more seriously the increase in defense spending. It remains unclear whether these assurances will be enough to "reassure Trump and buy Europe more time to agree on a plan for Ukraine and ensure the collective security of the continent," the publication notes.

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Earlier in the day, it was reported that Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban discussed the conflict in Ukraine by phone on February 23. During the conversation, the British prime minister stressed the importance of keeping the Ukrainian side "at the center of any negotiations to end the conflict."

In addition, The Wall Street Journal reported on February 23 that the United Kingdom and France were developing a plan to deploy up to 30,000 European peacekeepers in Ukraine. It is noted that the implementation depends on whether Trump can be persuaded to accept a limited role for the US soldiers, who would support the EU if the conflict escalates.