:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/DYGVM7BAC4CTI5WUR7GBVNCIE4.jpg "Macron did not rule out the deployment of troops to Ukraine and announced a coalition to send longer-range missiles")
President Macron Considers Deployment of Military Forces in Ukraine
Paris – French President Emmanuel Macron did not rule out the possibility of deploying military forces in Ukraine during a speech at the Conference in Support of Ukraine in Paris. Macron acknowledged that there is currently no consensus on sending ground troops, but stated that “in the dynamics nothing must be excluded.”
Macron announced the creation of a coalition to send longer-range missiles to Kiev, emphasizing the importance of preventing Russia from winning the war. He stated, “We will do everything necessary so that Russia cannot win this war.” Macron also highlighted the need for European countries to support Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
During the summit, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico proposed sending ground troops to Ukraine, although the idea did not receive majority support. However, Macron stressed the importance of taking action against Russian aggression, stating that “everything possible must be done so that Russia doesn’t win this war.”
Macron outlined “five categories of action” that European officials have agreed to invest resources in, including cyber defense, the co-production of weapons and ammunition in Ukraine, and support for countries directly threatened by Russia.
The French president also called for increased military resources to be sent to Ukraine, particularly ammunition. Macron emphasized the importance of medium and long-range missiles and bombs in the conflict against Russia.
Although German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was reluctant to deliver Taurus missiles, capable of reaching 500 kilometers, to Kiev, Macron announced that France and the United Kingdom would continue sending shorter range missiles to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky has been calling for greater military cooperation from Western countries to contain the Russian advance in Ukraine. Macron acknowledged the delay in the delivery of promised weapons to Ukraine and pledged to increase production and supply the necessary weapons.
Macron appealed for a coordinated effort from Europe to support Ukraine in the conflict, urging action without waiting for the United States Congress to unfreeze aid or the outcome of the upcoming elections in the US. He emphasized, “Let’s not wait for that result, let’s act now.”
The French president underscored the importance of a unified European defense strategy in the face of Russian aggression, stating that “this is a European war” that will determine the future of the continent.