Macron’s Refusal to Rule Out Western Troops in Ukraine Sparks Uneasy Reactions and Kremlin Warning
French President Emmanuel Macron has stirred up controversy and received warnings from both European allies and the Kremlin after he refused to rule out the possibility of deploying Western ground troops to Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion. The statement came after a conference of European leaders on Monday, where Macron emphasized the need to do “everything that is necessary” to ensure Russia’s defeat.
The Kremlin responded with a warning about the “inevitability” of confrontation between NATO and Russia if troops from the alliance were sent to Ukraine. This potential move would break a major taboo that the West has been hesitant to challenge. Macron hosted the conference with the aim of rallying greater support for Kyiv, which is facing increasing challenges on the battlefield and dwindling ammunition stocks.
Macron painted a grim picture of Russia under President Vladimir Putin, highlighting a recent hardening of its stance both domestically and in Ukraine. While there was “no consensus” on sending Western ground troops, Macron made it clear that “nothing should be ruled out” in the effort to prevent Russia from winning the war.
The reactions from European leaders varied. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has been criticized for his close ties with Moscow, stated that there was disunity among European leaders on the issue. Some countries were ready to send their own soldiers to Ukraine, while others, including Slovakia, firmly opposed the idea. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz dismissed the possibility, stating that there would be no ground troops from European countries or NATO.
The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, warned that if NATO troops appeared in Ukraine, it would lead to an inevitable confrontation. He urged these countries to consider their own interests and the potential consequences of such a move. A NATO official clarified that there were no plans for combat troops on the ground in Ukraine, despite the alliance’s unprecedented military support.
The Italian government also made it clear that their support for Ukraine did not involve sending troops. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized the need to avoid giving the impression that they were at war with Russia. However, the United Kingdom’s reaction was more cautious, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesman stating that there were no plans for a large-scale troop deployment to Ukraine.
If Western troops were eventually sent to Ukraine, their mandate would not involve direct combat with Russian forces. Instead, they would focus on priorities outlined by Macron, such as de-mining, securing neighboring countries like Moldova, and countering cyberattacks. Rym Momtaz, a consultant research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), clarified that this would involve specific activities far from the front lines.
Despite the controversy, Macron defended his position in parliament, stating that it was crucial for Europe to have the ability to act independently of the United States. There are growing doubts about long-term US backing for Ukraine, as a new aid package struggles to gain legislative approval and former President Donald Trump, who has expressed opposition to further support for Kyiv, eyes a return to the presidency in this year’s elections.
The situation in Ukraine remains tense, with Macron’s refusal to rule out the deployment of Western ground troops sparking both concern and criticism. As the conflict continues, European leaders must carefully consider their options and the potential consequences of their actions. The outcome of this decision will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the future of Ukraine and the stability of Europe as a whole.