A leading French newspaper says France and Britain are holding discussions about sending European troops and officials from private defense firms to Ukraine.

On Monday, Le Monde cited informed sources as saying that the discussions were revived after US President-elect Donald Trump’s political comeback.

In February, French President Emmanuel Macron mentioned the possibility of deploying Western ground troops to Ukraine. He said nothing could be ruled out.
Macron’s remarks drew a backlash from some European nations.

Le Monde said the debate about sending troops to Ukraine began again recently, after Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met in France.

The newspaper said the European leaders are apparently concerned about what will happen to US support for Ukraine after Trump returns to the White House in January. Trump is said to be reluctant to continue to support Kyiv.

Le Monde said that plans on the table include sending personnel from private defense companies to Ukraine to train soldiers and maintain Western-supplied equipment. The French government owns shares in the companies.

A French foreign ministry spokesperson said in a TV program on Monday that there is no taboo when it comes to sending troops to Ukraine.

However, the British prime minister’s office told NHK that there are no plans.