Macron: If Russia attacks French troops in Ukraine, US and NATO intervention won't be needed
French president continues to try to change the policy of Western leaders towards Russia to a more aggressive one
French President Emmanuel Macron, who initially advocated dialogue with Russia, has significantly changed his position on Russia's war against Ukraine, insisting on a more aggressive approach.
Source. This was reported by The Wall Street Journal.
In a confidential telephone conversation with US President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Macron proposed a strategy of strategic ambiguity towards Russia, suggesting that NATO countries should keep all military options open, the newspaper writes.
However, both Biden and Scholz have expressed concern, fearing escalation and division among the allies.
In particular, in February, Macron told them that he wanted to use the upcoming summit in Paris to send a message to Putin that Western allies could send troops to Ukraine.
Scholz replied that if Macron did so publicly, the chancellor and other leaders would be forced to reject it. He strongly advised Macron not to take this step, saying it could create a sense of disunity among allies.
The Biden administration was concerned that Russia might target any French troops in Ukraine. This could allegedly draw France and possibly other Western countries into the conflict.
Macron, however, told allies that there would be no need to involve NATO or the US if Russia targeted French troops. France has been suffering losses in military campaigns in Africa, for example, without asking for help from its allies.
Tensions reached a peak when Fico, Scholz, US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien and other leaders arrived at the Elysee Palace on 26 February. Macron shared his views on the need for "strategic uncertainty" – that is, the possibility of NATO troops entering Ukraine.
He then asked Scholz, who was sitting next to him, to respond. Scholz strongly opposed the idea. One by one, the leaders of the Netherlands, Poland and Greece came forward and politely rejected the idea. The Estonian prime minister supported Macron, saying that leaders should stop talking about what they will not do in a conflict and focus on what they will do.
Despite the overwhelming opposition at the summit, Macron told reporters that although there was no consensus on sending troops, "nothing can be ruled out".
Background. Earlier, Bloomberg wrote that Macron's words about sending Western troops to Ukraine angered the United States.
If you have read this article to the end, we hope that means it was useful for you.
We work to ensure that our journalistic and analytical work is of high quality, and we strive to perform it as competently as possible. This also requires financial independence. Support us for only UAH 196 per month.
Become a Mind subscriber for just USD 5 per month and support the development of independent business journalism!
You can unsubscribe at any time in your LIQPAY account or by sending us an email: [email protected]
