Macron’s conditions to deploy troops in Ukraine: Russia’s breakthrough and Ukraine’s request

In late February, Macron introduced the possibility of deploying NATO troops in Ukraine, stating that while there was “no consensus” on sending combat personnel, all options for supporting Ukraine should remain open. Several NATO leaders quickly downplayed the likelihood of troops engaging directly on the front lines. Later, some nations mentioned that the deployment of non-combat troops should not be ruled out. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said that deploying NATO troops to Ukraine was “not unthinkable,” while Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė endorsed Macron’s strategy of “strategic ambiguity” about the deployment option, suggesting it effectively counters Putin’s unpredictability.

The French president highlighted similar precedents in the past, noting that France sent its troops to help African countries in the Sahel when their leaders asked for assistance.

EU's long-term security

The Economist further notes that for bolstering Europe's long-term security, President Macron is developing proposals for a new, binding European security “framework,” which had immediately sparked concerns among many European Atlanticists, suspecting that France aims to weaken NATO and promote its own defense industries under the guise of grand visions. In a 2019 interview with The Economist, Macron referred to NATO as experiencing “brain death.” However, he currently maintains that there is no intention to sideline NATO.

He argues that the US will not always be there to support Europe, leaving the continent with no other option:

“We have to get ready to protect ourselves,” Macron said.

Read also:

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• Bloomberg: Macron ‘riled’ Washington with statements about sending troops to Ukraine
• Macron: believing Russia will stop at Donbas, Crimea is a mistake
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• Macron: peace in Europe requires preparation for war
• Macron says Ukraine’s allies must not be cowards, rise up to historic challenge
• Canada open to sending non-combat troops to Ukraine as instructors; more countries support non-combat missions (updated)
• Macron doesn’t rule out sending troops to Ukraine; Stoltenberg says NATO has no such plans (updated)