French President Emmanuel Macron revealed a set of measures on Monday to bolster Western support for Ukraine, not ruling out the possibility of deploying allied troops to the former Soviet republic to counter Russia.
Meeting with around twenty European leaders in Paris, Macron announced the establishment of a coalition to supply “medium and long-range missiles and bombs” to Ukraine. Stressing the importance of defeating Russia for European security and stability, Macron acknowledged the lack of consensus on sending troops but asserted that “nothing should be ruled out,” emphasizing the commitment to prevent Russia from winning the war.
While Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte denied discussing troop deployment, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico indicated that some NATO and EU members were considering the initiative. Macron acknowledged the absence of unanimity on this matter but emphasized the need to explore all options.
The conference aimed to accelerate assistance to Ukraine, which continuously requests rapid shipments of ammunition to counter the Russian offensive. Macron urged allies to do more swiftly. Despite potential divisions, there was a “broad consensus” on the urgency of providing substantial and rapid aid to Ukraine.
Macron’s push for increased support positions him as a European advocate for Ukraine, particularly amid concerns about potential waning US support. Notably, he emphasized the strengthening of Russia, citing recent events like the death of opposition figure Alexei Navalny in prison and Moscow’s plans for “new attacks” on the Ukrainian front.
The conference reflects Macron’s commitment to European leadership in supporting Ukraine, especially as the risk of Ukrainian defeat in 2024 looms, with the country facing an imminent shortage of weapons and ammunition. Macron admitted to an imprudent commitment regarding the European Union’s promise of a million artillery shells for Ukraine, signaling a need for more decisive and coordinated action. In light of this, several European countries, including France, are receptive to a Czech proposal for the EU to procure ammunition outside the bloc for shipment to Ukraine.