France has announced plans to prepare 7,000 troops for potential deployment to Ukraine in 2026, signaling a major shift in NATO’s posture toward the conflict. French Army Chief Pierre Schill said the rapid response force could mobilize within 12 hours to 5 days, as part of broader “coalition” operations under the Orion 26 exercise. EU officials are also drafting a 10,000-strong security mission. Russia has condemned the move, warning that NATO troop deployments would mark a dangerous escalation toward direct confrontation.