Macron does not rule out sending troops to Ukraine if Russia breaks through the front line
3 May 2024 10:16
French President Emmanuel Macron said he had not changed his mind about sending Western troops to Ukraine and believes this approach is correct. According to him, in case of a breakthrough of the Russian front line and Ukraine’s request, it is worth considering this. He said this in an interview with The Economist, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
When asked by the interviewer whether the French president still stood by his words about the possibility of sending allied troops to Ukraine, Macron replied in the affirmative.
“Absolutely. As I said, I do not rule anything out, because we are dealing with someone who does not rule anything out. We have undoubtedly shown excessive indecision in outlining the limits of our response to someone who no longer has red lines and who is the aggressor,
– macron said.
He noted that not giving the enemy a full understanding of what actions can or cannot be expected is also a deterrent. Macron noted that France has had experience in recent history of military interventions, particularly in Africa, to counter terrorism at the request of the relevant sovereign states.
“If the Russians had broken through the front and if there had been a request from Ukraine – and this is not the case now – we would legitimately ask ourselves this question. So I think that to rule out such a scenario would mean that we have not learnt the lessons of the last two years,”
– macron said.
Macron stressed that he has a clear strategic objective: Russia cannot win in Ukraine.
“If Russia wins in Ukraine, we will no longer have security in Europe. Who can say that Russia will stop there? What security is there for other neighbouring countries, Moldova, Romania, Poland, Lithuania and many others? And what is the credibility of Europeans who would spend billions, who would say that the continent’s survival is at stake, and who would not give themselves the means to stop Russia? So, yes, we should not rule anything out, because our goal is to ensure that Russia never wins in Ukraine,” he concluded,
– he summarised.
It should be noted that on 11 February, the French President postponed his working visit to Ukraine, which was scheduled for 14-15 February, for security reasons.
