Macron won’t rule out sending NATO troops to Ukraine
France’s President Emmanuel Macron said he won’t rule out sending troops to Ukraine on February 26th, according to The National.
After meeting with other European leaders to discuss the Russia-Ukraine war, the president stated that “we are convinced that the defeat of Russia is indispensable to security and stability in Europe.”
He added that Russia was exhibiting a “more aggressive attitude not just in Ukraine but in general,” and that while there was “no consensus” on sending Western troops to Ukraine, “nothing should be excluded.”
Marcon promised the establishment of a new coalition to supply Ukraine with medium and long-range munitions, to carry out deep strikes against Russia.
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Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Poland’s President Andrzej Duda were among the 25 European leaders in attendance at the conference. UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and representatives from Canada and the US were also in attendance.
However, AP reported that both Scholz and Duda affirmed that they do not intend to send troops to Ukraine on February 28th
The conference indicated Marcon’s eagerness to be seen as a champion of the Ukrainian cause, amid fears that US support could wane in the coming months. although many analysts will argue that his bitterness with Moscow is more about losing three key satellites in Africa – Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger – in recent coups, which Russia exploited.
Doubts as to the viability of long-term US support for Ukraine are growing with a new aid package struggling to find legislative approval and Donald Trump, who has indicated opposition to further support for Kyiv, seeking a return to the US presidency.
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Marcon highlighted a “hardening on the part of Russia” in recent months and the need for Ukraine’s allies to their support increase support in its defence.
He claimed this was apparent in the death of imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexie Navalny on February 16th and in newly planned Russian offensives on its Ukraine front.
Ukraine’s defence minister, Rustem Umerov, said on February 25th that half of the Western military aid pledged to Kyiv is delivered late and that “commitment does not constitute delivery.”
A February 26th vote in the Hungarian parliament clearing the final obstacle for Sweden joining NATO was received with relief by Ukraine’s allies.
European leaders congratulated Sweden on what British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hailed a “historic day” for the military alliance.
The National / AP
