France has put forward a proposal to deploy a significant contingent of European troops in eastern Ukraine, including along the Dnieper River, to deter Russia after the current armed conflict ends, the Associated Press reported, citing a source familiar with the situation. According to the agency, the initiative is being considered as part of a peacekeeping mission and involves several scenarios: in addition to a presence along the Dnieper, the possibility of deploying forces in western Ukraine or even in one of the neighboring countries is being discussed. Specific details of the plan have not yet been disclosed, but it will be one of the key topics of the upcoming summit in Paris.

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, clarified Paris's position. He stressed that European peacekeepers will not be deployed directly on the line of combat contact with Russian troops. The main task of the forces is not to provoke a conflict with Russia, but to ensure stability in the region.

“We are not looking for clashes with the Russian army, but in the event of aggression, our forces will be ready to fight back,” "Macron said, adding that the peacekeepers' actions will be coordinated by the mission's commander-in-chief.

France's initiative has caused a wide resonance in Europe. According to Euronews, as of March 2025, a number of EU countries, including Poland and the Baltic states, have expressed their readiness to support the idea of ​​a peacekeeping mission, while Germany and Hungary have expressed a reserved position, fearing escalation. Experts note that the deployment of forces along the Dnieper, a strategic waterway dividing Ukraine, could be a symbolic gesture demonstrating Europe's determination to counter Russian influence. However, this requires significant resources and coordination, which will be the subject of discussions at the summit.