PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron encountered unsettling responses from European allies and a warning from the Kremlin on Tuesday after refusing to rule out the dispatch of Western ground soldiers to Ukraine to aid in its resistance against the Russian invasion.
Macron said on Monday, following a meeting of European leaders, that “everything that is necessary” must be done, including sending of troops, to guarantee Russia’s defeat.
Reacting to Macron’s remarks, the Kremlin threatened the “inevitability” of confrontation between NATO and Russia if NATO forces were sent into the battle.
The goal of Macron’s hosting the summit, which took place just over two years to the day after Russia invaded Ukraine, was to mobilize more support for Kyiv, which is facing more difficult military situations and running out of ammunition.
He presented a dire picture of Russia under President Vladimir Putin, claiming that the country has even recently undergone a “change of posture” with a hardening of its position toward Ukraine as well as within its own borders.
Nothing should be ruled out, even though there was “no consensus” about the deployment of Western ground soldiers in Ukraine. Macron continued, “We’ll take all necessary measures to make sure Russia cannot win this conflict.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico noted disunity among European leaders on the issue, with some countries open to sending troops, others firmly opposed (including Slovakia), and some considering the proposal.
With Sweden about to become a member of NATO, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson shot down the proposal, stating that “it’s not on the cards at all for the moment”.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz ruled out the possibility of ground troops from European countries or NATO, emphasizing the focus on providing Ukraine with weapons, ammunition, and air defense.
Russia Warns of Confrontation Over Macron’s NATO Troop Idea
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned of confrontation if NATO troops appeared in Ukraine while reiterating that such a move was not in the interests of the countries involved.
NATO clarified that there were no plans for combat troops on the ground in Ukraine despite ongoing military support.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that support for Ukraine did not equate to being at war with Russia.
The UK expressed caution regarding troop deployment. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesman said that there were no plans for large-scale deployment to Ukraine.
The potential deployment of Western troops to Ukraine would focus on specific activities such as demining and cyber defense rather than combat operations.
French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne assured that any military presence in Ukraine would not cross a “belligerence threshold.”
Macron faced criticism from far-right leader Marine Le Pen for his stance while emphasizing Europe’s need to ensure its own security independently of the United States.
