European countries consider sending ground troops to Ukraine: Critical statements from EU leaders
French President Emmanuel Macron said that Western countries could send troops to Ukraine.
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Following a meeting on Monday in Paris attended by 20 European leaders to assess the war in Ukraine, French President Macron made significant statements. Macron stated that sending ground troops to Ukraine is among the options, but also underscored that no consensus has been reached on this matter.
In his statement to reporters, Macron said, "We believe that the defeat of Russia is indispensable for security and stability in Europe. Today, there is no consensus on officially and approved sending troops to the field. However, in terms of dynamics, nothing can be ruled out."
According to Macron's statements, there are other countries considering the option of sending troops. The French leader said he would not disclose which countries are evaluating the option of sending troops in order to maintain 'strategic ambiguity'.
Macron used the expression, "We will do everything necessary to ensure that Russia does not win."
Polish President Andrzej Duda also made a statement, saying that the most heated debate was on the issue of sending troops, but that no agreement had been reached. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, on the other hand, announced that a 'large number' of NATO and EU member countries are considering sending troops by 'making bilateral agreements' with Ukraine.
The conference in Paris came after Ukraine began to lose ground on the front lines and its military losses increased. Recently, the US House of Representatives rejected a comprehensive military aid package for Ukraine. Suffering from shortages of ammunition and manpower, Ukraine has begun to experience problems on the front following delays in international support.
In Europe, the possibility of facing Russia without US aid is being discussed. The German newspaper Das Bild included the view in its columns that the conference held in Paris is of 'vital importance' for the future of Ukraine. According to Das Bild, French President Macron believes that the US is withdrawing from Ukraine and that Europe must take on more responsibility.