France’s President Emmanuel Macron Considers Sending Ground Troops to Ukraine Amid Russian Military Advances
In a bold move to counter the Russian military advances in Ukraine, France’s President Emmanuel Macron has suggested the possibility of sending ground troops to support the Ukrainian forces. This announcement came during a meeting of 20 European leaders in Paris, convened by Macron to discuss and strengthen the European response to the escalating crisis.
While Macron emphasized that no consensus currently exists regarding the deployment of ground troops, he made it clear that all options are on the table. Protecting France’s strategic ambiguity, he stated, “There is no consensus to officially back any ground troops. That said, nothing should be excluded. We will do everything that we can to make sure that Russia does not prevail.”
Macron highlighted the need for a shift in strategy, noting that previous approaches such as providing long-range missiles and planes had proven insufficient. He stated, “We must do whatever we can to obtain our objective.” This marks the first time that nation states have openly discussed the possibility of collectively providing troops to support Ukraine’s depleted military manpower.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Macron issued a warning about Russia’s intentions, stating, “There is a change in Russia’s stance. It is striving to take on further territory, and it has its eyes not just on Ukraine but on many other countries as well. Russia is presenting a greater danger.” The meeting was attended by notable leaders such as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron, Polish President Andrzej Duda, and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. However, officials from the US and Canada were represented by relatively junior officials.
French officials have expressed concern over the lack of a unified Western response to Vladimir Putin’s aggressive actions and the absence of clear practical measures. Macron called for urgent action in response to the crumbling situation on the Ukrainian frontline. The meeting resulted in an agreement to focus on five key action areas: cyber defense, joint production of military weapons and ammunition in Ukraine, defense of countries directly threatened by Russian offensives, increased military protection for Ukraine on its border with Russian-backed Belarus, and the demining of Ukraine. Macron also announced the formation of a new coalition to provide long and medium-range strike missile capability.
Macron stressed the necessity of defeating Russia for peace and security in Europe. He called for Europe to move beyond mere rhetoric and take decisive action to build an independent European defense pillar, separate from American influence. When asked about the potential impact of the upcoming US presidential elections on support for Ukraine, Macron asserted that Europe cannot wait for the outcome of the American elections to determine its future. He emphasized that it is Europe’s future at stake and that Europeans must take the lead in deciding their course of action.
Macron made it clear that Europe is not at war with the Russian people but is solely focused on countering Russia’s aggression. Currently, 30% of Ukraine’s funding comes from Europe, and Macron expressed the possibility of increasing this through bilateral and EU-level agreements. He acknowledged that Europe had failed to meet its optimistic promise of providing Ukraine with a million rounds of ammunition. Macron identified ammunition supply as the top priority and proposed increasing production within Europe while also purchasing surplus ammunition stocks from outside Europe to support Ukraine.
Additionally, Macron voiced his support for the Estonian plan to issue defense bonds at the EU level, guaranteeing long-term defense markets for the industry. This proposal, however, has yet to gain favor in Germany and the Netherlands, two countries traditionally opposed to EU debt issuance. Macron justified the proposal by stating, “There is a geopolitical shock coming from one side, and that justifies what the Estonians have proposed.”
The ultimate objective, according to Macron, is to ensure that Ukraine can negotiate peace and regain full territorial sovereignty. As Europe faces this critical moment, Macron emphasized the need for decisive action and a united European defense effort. The future of Europe hangs in the balance, and it is up to Europeans to shape their destiny while seeking support from other willing nations.
