French President Macron floats idea of Western troops in Ukraine, escalating tensions with Russia

French President Emmanuel Macron suggests deployment of Western troops to Ukraine, potentially escalating tensions with Russia

French President Emmanuel Macron sparked international debate on Monday by suggesting the potential deployment of Western troops to Ukraine, a move that could escalate tensions with Russia, which has been engaged in a prolonged conflict with its neighbor.

Speaking on Monday at a summit of European leaders, Macron reiterated a firm position, saying, “We will do whatever it takes to ensure that Russia cannot win this war.” Notwithstanding the lack of specifics, an unidentified European military insider said that the plan has been under consideration for weeks by European partners who are supported by the United States.

Russian and French military will not engage in direct battle in Ukraine, the president of France made it clear. The Lithuanian Defense Minister, Arvydas Anusauskas, claimed that instead, talks have focused on training missions and support responsibilities. When asked for specifics, he highlighted the training component.

Camille Grand, a former senior NATO official, saw Macron’s comments as a major political move that would show Russia how serious the issue was while also demonstrating support with Ukraine. Macron’s declaration highlights the changing dynamics of the conflict and signals a shift from his prior attempts to negotiate between Russia and Ukraine.

A high-stakes “poker game” between France and Russia, according to French military historian Michel Goya, is what Macron’s action amounted to. In line with this attitude, Alexander Gabuev, the head of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, pointed out that Macron’s position has become more firm while also emphasizing the vagueness around the proposal’s details.

Germany, Britain, and Spain are among the European nations that have distanced themselves from the notion of deploying soldiers to Ukraine despite Macron’s remarks. Warning that NATO intervention would result in direct conflict with Russia, the Kremlin issued a strong warning against such moves.

Source: AFP