Macron considers UN-led peacekeepers for Ukraine amid troop discussions

French President Emmanuel Macron is exploring the possibility of sending a UN-led peacekeeping force to Ukraine, an idea discussed with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during a European Council meeting. The proposal, seen as an alternative to deploying European troops, faces significant challenges as it requires approval from the UN Security Council, where both Russia and likely the US would oppose it. Macron has been collaborating with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to form a coalition of NATO and EU countries to support peacekeeping efforts, but reactions from various leaders indicate mixed support, with some countries like Germany, Italy, and Poland expressing opposition. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova condemned the proposal, warning that it could escalate tensions between NATO and Russia. Meanwhile, discussions about potential military involvement from countries like Turkey and Australia highlight the complex dynamics at play in establishing a peacekeeping mission. The prospects for a successful deployment remain uncertain, given the geopolitical hurdles and varying stances among European nations.