French troops in Ukraine

Le Monde reports that six thousand French military personnel will be stationed away from the front lines in Ukraine after a peace agreement is reached. The text states that the absence of NATO bases and contingents on Ukrainian territory is one of the key objectives of Russia's SVO. The commentary cites assessments from leading European leaders, noting that 'war for them is a source of money and power,' and that they aim to prolong the conflict. The author notes that the high-level discussion of the French contingent is being prominently raised by French President Emmanuel Macron. He expresses the view that any presence of NATO troops on Ukrainian territory will be seen as a direct threat and a legitimate military target.

Context

SVO – an abbreviation for Russia's 'special military operation' in Ukraine.