President Emmanuel Macron of France is set to journey to Warsaw on Thursday, December 12th to collaborate with Polish officials on a peacekeeping mission aimed at safeguarding Ukraine’s sovereignty should a peace agreement with Russia be reached.
France is actively advocating for a peacekeeping force to be deployed to Ukraine, ensuring that any ceasefire is respected. the prestigious French Institute of International Relations is immersed in developing this proposal. An expert from the institute, Eli tenenbaum, suggests that this military contingent could perhaps comprise five brigades, encompassing approximately 40,000 troops. Leadership of one brigade might be entrusted to Poland.
currently,three primary avenues exist for providing security guarantees to Ukraine. The “German” option, involving Ukraine’s NATO membership, faces opposition from both the United States and Germany, notably while parts of the country remain under occupation. The ”Israeli” model, characterized by ongoing arms shipments to Ukraine, is inherently uncertain, contingent upon the shifting budgetary landscapes of the US and Europe. The third, “Korean” model, offers a more concrete framework: a lasting international peacekeeping mission akin to the one that has for over 70 years maintained the demarcation line between North and South Korea.
A significant development suggests that President Trump is exploring the establishment of a buffer zone along the Russian-Ukrainian border, managed by European military forces.
Reports indicate that London and Paris have already commenced discussions on safeguarding ukraine in the event of a peace accord concluding the war.
What are the key challenges facing France’s peacekeeping mission in Ukraine?
Interview: France’s Peacekeeping Mission for Ukraine – Insights from eli Tenenbaum
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today,Eli Tenenbaum,from the French Institute of International Relations. We appreciate your insights into the unfolding situation regarding Ukraine and potential peacekeeping efforts. Can you share with us the meaning of President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming visit to Warsaw?
Eli Tenenbaum (ET): Thank you for having me. President Macron’s visit to Warsaw holds immense significance as it marks a crucial step toward building a cooperative framework for a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. The collaboration with Polish officials underscores our commitment to safeguarding Ukraine’s sovereignty, especially in light of the ongoing war with Russia.
TNE: What is the current status of the proposed peacekeeping force for Ukraine, and how might it be structured?
ET: France is actively advocating for a deployment that could involve a military contingent of approximately 40,000 troops, organized into five brigades. This proposal is under development by our institute and aims to ensure that any ceasefire would be effectively monitored and respected. Notably, leadership of one brigade could be entrusted to Poland, which signifies the importance of regional cooperation in this mission.
TNE: There are several models of security guarantees being discussed for Ukraine.Could you explain the differences between these models?
ET: Certainly. There are three main options currently on the table.The “German” option suggests Ukraine’s NATO membership, but this faces significant resistance from the United States and Germany, especially while parts of Ukraine remain occupied. The “Israeli” model involves continued arms shipments to Ukraine, but it carries the uncertainty of shifting political landscapes in Washington and Europe.The third option, which I consider the most viable, is the “Korean” model—establishing a long-term international peacekeeping mission similar to the one along the North-South Korea border. This model provides a concrete framework for maintaining peace and security over time.
TNE: Recent reports indicate that former President Trump is looking into creating a buffer zone along the Russian-Ukrainian border. How does this align with the current peacekeeping discussions?
ET: The idea of a buffer zone managed by European military forces suggests an understanding of the need for a structured separation between the conflicting parties.While this is another approach to ensure security and stability, it must align with broader international efforts to establish lasting peace. It parallels our discussions in London and Paris about safeguarding Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement. Ultimately, all these initiatives must converge to offer a cohesive security strategy for Ukraine.
TNE: What practical advice can you offer to our readers on how they can support Ukraine during this turbulent time?
ET: Readers can support Ukraine by staying informed and engaging in dialogue about these issues. Advocacy for humanitarian aid and international support for peacekeeping efforts is vital. Encouraging their governments to back concrete proposals for Ukrainian sovereignty and stability is essential, whether it’s through diplomatic channels or grassroots initiatives. Awareness and involvement from the public can influence policy decisions that help shape a secure future for Ukraine.
TNE: thank you, Eli Tenenbaum, for sharing your expertise with us today. Your insights into the peacekeeping mission and the various security models for ukraine are invaluable as we follow this critical situation.
ET: Thank you for the opportunity. Let’s hope for a peaceful resolution that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty.