February 27, 2024, 23:55 | Updated: February 28, 2024, 00:00
World leaders rejected Macron’s idea.
Photo: Alamy
Several NATO countries have ruled out the French president’s proposal to send troops from the alliance to Ukraine.
President Emmanuel Macron claimed on Monday that several EU and NATO countries were considering sending troops to the battlefield, saying there was “no agreement” on sending Western soldiers to Ukraine.
But NATO allies quickly dismissed the idea, warning that such a proposal would amount to a “serious escalation” of war.
Britain, Germany, Poland and the United States were among the countries that rejected the idea, confirming they would not send troops to the region.
The French president proposed the idea to galvanize support for Ukraine as Kiev continues to make urgent appeals for more weapons.
“We will do everything necessary to ensure that Russia does not win the war,” Macron said Monday night.
“We should not rule out the possibility that there is a need for security to justify some elements of implementation.
“But I have communicated very clearly what position France maintains, and it is a strategic ambiguity, which I support.”
Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Stephane Séjournet told parliament on Tuesday that troops could be sent to the region for training missions or weapons production without breaching “standards of engagement.”
read more: Hungary approves Sweden’s NATO membership as military alliance expands in the face of Russia’s war in Ukraine
read more: ‘We will stand by until the end’ Shapps vows to support Britain until the end of the war as Britain gives £245m of military aid
Macron’s idea was rejected by NATO allies.
Photo: Alamy
“We must consider new actions to support Ukraine,” Sejourne said. These have to meet very specific needs, and I’m thinking especially about mine clearance, cyber, and the production of weapons on the ground on the territory of Ukraine.
“Some of these actions may require presence on Ukrainian territory without crossing the line of engagement. Nothing can be ruled out.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesman confirmed on Tuesday that Britain had no plans for a large-scale military deployment to Ukraine.
Joe Biden said the “path to victory” in Ukraine is through military aid to the region and “ensuring the Ukrainian military has the weapons and ammunition it needs to defend itself,” according to a White House statement. He said he believed it.
“President Biden has made it clear that the United States will not send troops to fight in Ukraine.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said any deployment would “inevitably” lead to an all-out war between Russia and NATO.
“In that case,” he said, “we would need to talk about necessity, not probability.” [of direct conflict]”
The Telegraph reported that British defense officials said that adopting measures such as those proposed by Mr Macron would reflect a “serious escalation” with Russia.
This comes as the war in Ukraine enters its third year.
Photo: Alamy
Lithuania is the only country to support France’s idea, confirming that talks are under way to send troops to train Ukrainian personnel.
An Elysée Palace official said of France’s proposal, “The purpose is to send a strong strategic message to the Russians: “Don’t do anything stupid.”
The incident comes as the war in Ukraine enters its third year with no signs of ending anytime soon.
Defense Secretary Grant Shapps has vowed that Britain will support Ukraine “to the very end” of its war with Russia, after the government announced a further £250m of military aid at the weekend.
Mr Shapps also denied that Britain was wavering in its support for Ukraine, which he described as “incredibly brave”. But he added: “They urgently need more ammunition, which is why we are stepping up today.”