Macron doubles down on possibility of deploying NATO troops to Ukraine

By richardbrown // 2024-03-19

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French President Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed the possibility of deploying North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) troops to Ukraine, potentially pushing the European Union into open war with Russia. During a March 14 interview with the TF1 and France 2 channels, Macron remarked: "We cannot exclude options; what we are doing is giving ourselves red lines." His comments came as a response to a reporter asking him about his February 2023 remarks regarding the idea of Western troops entering Ukraine's territory. He stressed that the international community has imposed "too many constraints in our language" regarding the conflict, adding: "If we choose to be weak today, in the face of someone who has crossed all boundaries, we do not choose peace; we choose defeat." While the French leader refrained from detailing the specifics of a potential troop deployment, he underscored the importance of Europe's and France's security. Predictably, Moscow responded to Macron's remarks per the Russian state news agency TASS. "France is already involved in the conflict in Ukraine and does not oppose increasing its involvement," said Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov. Macron's statements came a day before a crucial summit in Germany, a NATO member that strongly opposes such a move. This further risks alienating him from other NATO allies who have earlier distanced themselves from his initial remarks about potential deployment of troops in Ukraine. (Related: Slovakia's PM reveals NATO, EU states still considering sending troops to Ukraine.)

Scholz: NATO not sending ground troops to Ukraine

Macron faces pressure to address tensions over Ukraine amid a March 15 meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The meeting is part of the Weimar Triangle coalition between the three nations first established in 1991. Berlin has faced criticism for its perceived slow response to the Russia-Ukraine war, with the vitriol particularly aimed at the chancellor for his hesitation to expedite the delivery of Taurus missiles. But according to Scholz, such an action would require German soldiers for the operation. "It is clear: There will be no ground troops from European countries or NATO," the chancellor earlier remarked. Scholz echoed sentiments expressed by other NATO leaders, stressing that there had been no change to the agreed position that troops from the EU or NATO won't be sent to Ukraine. Tusk also reiterated Warsaw's commitment to supporting Ukraine's self-defense against Russian aggression. "True solidarity with Ukraine? Less words, more ammunition," the Polish leader stated. A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the United Kingdom has no plans for a large-scale military deployment to Ukraine. The small number of personnel already assisting in training Ukrainian forces was enough, the spokesperson added. U.S. President Joe Biden also reiterated that Washington won't be sending troops to Ukraine, emphasizing that providing military aid to Kyiv to bolster its defense capabilities remains the best option. Meanwhile, the office of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni clarified that Rome's support did not entail the presence of troops from EU or NATO states on Ukrainian territory. Other NATO member nations such as Spain and the Czech Republic have also adhered to the bloc's "no troops to Ukraine" stance. Even NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has stuck to this stance. While he reiterated the alliance's commitment to supporting Kyiv, he denied considering sending troops to Ukraine and escalating the ongoing conflict. Watch this video of French President Emmanuel Macron wanting direct war with Russia. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

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Scholz: NATO not sending ground troops to Ukraine

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