French President Macron: Western Ground Troops in Ukraine Not Ruled Out
French President Emmanuel Macron has opened the door to the possibility of European nations sending ground troops to Ukraine in its fight against Russia. While cautioning that there is currently no consensus on the matter, Macron emphasized the importance of defeating Russia for the security and stability of Europe. The comments came after a meeting in Paris where around 20 European leaders gathered to send a message of European resolve on Ukraine.
Macron’s statement reflects his eagerness to position himself as a champion of Ukraine’s cause, especially amid concerns that US support may diminish in the coming years. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Poland’s President Andrzej Duda were among the European heads of state present at the conference, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined virtually.
During the meeting, the topic of sending troops to Ukraine sparked heated discussions, but no agreement was reached. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico revealed that several NATO and EU members were considering sending soldiers to Ukraine on a bilateral basis. However, opinions on this matter vary among countries, with some opposing military aid altogether.
The conference also addressed Ukraine’s urgent need for ammunition supplies. The EU has fallen short of its target to send Ukraine one million rounds of artillery shells by March. To address this issue, a Czech-led initiative to purchase hundreds of thousands of ammunition rounds from third countries gained traction. Around 15 countries have agreed to participate in this initiative, which aims to provide Ukraine with the necessary ammunition in a relatively short time.
In addition to ammunition, Macron announced the establishment of a new coalition to supply Ukraine with medium and long-range missiles and bombs for deep strikes. There was a consensus among leaders to increase joint production of armaments with Ukraine and bolster its military industry.
The Paris conference serves as another demonstration of France, Germany, and the UK’s long-term commitment to supporting Ukraine. The recent signing of 10-year bilateral agreements between these countries and Ukraine further solidifies their backing for Kyiv.
While there is no official consensus yet on sending ground troops to Ukraine, Macron’s statement highlights the dynamic nature of the situation. The conference in Paris showcased European leaders’ determination to counter Russia’s narrative and ensure that Russia does not emerge victorious in the ongoing conflict. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Western nations will further support Ukraine and contribute to its fight against Russian aggression.
