As the conflict in Ukraine enters a new phase of escalation, discussions have been revived over sending Western troops and private defense companies to Ukrainian soil, it has emerged. the world from consistent sources. Delicate discussions, essentially classified, but actually relaunched, in the perspective of a possible American withdrawal of support for kyiv after Donald Trump takes office in the United States on January 20, 2025.
The shipping debate “troops” in Ukraine, launched strongly by French President Emmanuel Macron, during a meeting between kyiv’s allies in Paris in February, had aroused strong opposition from some European countries, led by Germany. This scenario has not yet been buried. It has even regained strength in recent weeks, according to our information, thanks to the visit to France of the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, during the ceremonies of November 11.
“There are ongoing talks between the UK and France on defense cooperation, particularly with the aim of creating a core group of allies in Europe, focused on Ukraine and wider European security.”entrusted to World a British military source.
“Don’t set red lines »
Comments consistent with those of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, during his visit to London on November 22. In an interview with the BBC on November 23, he called on Western allies to “do not set or express red lines” about his support for Ukraine. Also asked about the possibility of sending French troops on the ground, he declared: “We are not ruling out any option. »
On the part of the Ministry of the Armed Forces and in the Elysée, there is no official green light, for the moment, to the sending of conventional troops or private service providers. But, for several months now, the proposals have clearly been on the table. Like that of the company Défense Conseil International (DCI), the main operator of the Ministry of the Armed Forces for monitoring French arms export contracts and the transfer of related military knowledge. In which the State is a 55% shareholder.
Made up of 80% former military personnel, the DCI would be willing to continue training Ukrainian soldiers in Ukraine, as it already does in France and Poland. It could also, if necessary, guarantee the maintenance of French military equipment sent to kyiv. In this sense, Babcock, a British counterpart company already present in Ukraine, approached DCI to share the facilities available to the latter. In May, Babcock announced that the job was “in progress” create a technical support site for Ukraine, “including the repair and overhaul of military vehicles”It is written in their annual report.
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