France is prepared to rapidly deploy a military contingent to Ukraine once a ceasefire is established, according to radio station Europe 1.

The report said French troops would not be positioned within range of Russian fire along the roughly 1,000-kilometer front. Instead, they would be stationed farther back at strategic locations, with a mission focused on training, equipping and rebuilding the Ukrainian army.

The possible deployment is being discussed within the framework of the so-called Coalition of the Willing, which is considering further support for Kiev. Other European countries could join France and send their own troops.

It remains unclear how many personnel European governments would be prepared to deploy. The contingent could number several thousand troops.

Last year, French Army Chief of Staff Pierre Schill said Paris could send up to 7,000 troops abroad. According to him, such a force could be deployed to Ukrainian territory within five days.

Moscow opposes the deployment of NATO military personnel in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly said that the introduction of European troops would amount to a direct military confrontation with Russia.