Emmanuel Macron: ‘All Options Possible’ in Ukraine, but Current Situation Doesn’t Require Western Troops
PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron is keeping all options on the table when it comes to Ukraine, emphasizing the need to show strength against Russia while clarifying that sending Western troops is not currently necessary.
Macron cautioned Western powers against displaying any signs of weakness towards Russia, reiterating his stance that the deployment of Western troops in Ukraine should not be dismissed. However, he acknowledged that the current circumstances do not warrant such action.
During an interview on French national television TF1 and France 2, Macron addressed the topic of sending Western troops to Ukraine, a suggestion he previously raised. While his comments faced opposition from other European leaders who denied any plans for troop deployment, Macron stated, “We’re not in that situation today,” but emphasized that “all these options are possible.”
As the commander-in-chief of France’s armed forces, Macron refrained from outlining the specific scenario under which France would be prepared to send troops. He asserted that the decision to take such action would ultimately rest with Moscow, stating, “It wouldn’t be us,” and clarifying that France would not lead an offensive against Russia in Ukraine.
However, Macron emphasized the importance of not appearing weak in the pursuit of peace in Ukraine, describing the Russia-Ukraine conflict as “existential” for France and Europe. He warned against the consequences of inaction, stating, “Today, to have peace in Ukraine, we must not be weak.”
Macron’s televised interview follows a debate in the French parliament regarding the country’s strategy towards Ukraine. Symbolic votes in both the National Assembly and the Senate approved the 10-year bilateral security agreement signed between Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
On Friday, Macron will meet with his counterparts in Germany and Poland in Berlin to discuss support for Ukraine, aiming to demonstrate unity and solidarity as Kyiv faces challenges due to military resource shortages and an upcoming election in Russia that is expected to extend President Vladimir Putin’s rule.
The leaders of France, Germany, and Poland will convene in the “Weimar Triangle” summit, seeking to revitalize cooperation after strains in relations during Poland’s previous nationalist government. Amidst Ukraine’s struggle against a well-equipped Russian army and delays in military aid from the EU and US, efforts are being made to provide essential support to Kyiv.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the urgency of assisting Ukraine, highlighting the need for critical military supplies such as ammunition, artillery, and air defense. The EU’s commitment to produce artillery rounds for Ukraine has fallen short, while US aid faces obstacles in Congress.
“We must do everything we can to organize as much support as possible for Ukraine,” Scholz emphasized, underscoring the crucial role of international assistance in the ongoing conflict. — Euronews
