French Army Chief Affirms Readiness for Ukraine Troop Deployment by 2026

French Army Prepared for Ukraine Deployment

General Pierre Schill, the French Army Chief of Staff, announced on October 23, 2025, that France's military forces are prepared for a potential deployment to Ukraine by 2026. This readiness is framed within the context of providing security guarantees to Ukraine. General Schill conveyed this during a hearing before the National Assembly's Defense Committee, as reported by BFMTV.

During his address, General Schill stated, 'We will stand ready to deploy forces within the framework of security guarantees, if necessary for the benefit of Ukraine.' He further elaborated on the French Army's operational capacity, noting its ability to manage three simultaneous levels of alert. These include a national emergency response, participation in NATO's Allied Reaction Force for 2026, and the potential for operations in Ukraine.

Context of Security Guarantees and Coalition Efforts

The prospect of French troop deployment is part of broader discussions among European officials regarding security guarantees for Ukraine. Plans are reportedly being considered to send British and French military personnel to Ukraine as part of a 'Coalition of the Willing' following any cessation of hostilities. Approximately 10 countries have expressed their readiness to participate in such an initiative. The proposed framework suggests a two-stage approach: an initial deployment of European troops away from combat zones to focus on training Ukrainian forces and providing reinforcements, potentially followed by American support through intelligence sharing, border surveillance, and weapons systems.

French President Emmanuel Macron had previously indicated on September 4, 2025, that 26 of Ukraine's allies had pledged to deploy troops as a 'reassurance force' for the country once fighting with Russia concludes. These forces would aim to prevent future aggression rather than engage on the frontline. Macron has also asserted that Russia's permission would not be required for such deployments if requested by Ukraine.

Strategic Preparedness and Russian Threats

General Schill highlighted that 2026 is envisioned as a 'year of coalitions,' with multinational military exercises, specifically Orion 26, planned to test coordination among allied forces. This strategic outlook comes as France has intensified its focus on perceived Russian threats across various domains. French military officials have warned that Moscow poses significant challenges and that France must be prepared for a potential confrontation within the next three to four years.