Macron’s Ambiguity on Ukraine Backfires as Allies Balk at Troops
- The French president refused to rule out sending troops
- Russia warned that NATO soldiers would escalate a conflict
Emmanuel Macron speaks during a press conference in Paris on Feb. 26.
Photographer: Gonzalo Fuentes/AFP/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
European leaders rejected the prospect of sending combat troops to Ukraine, undercutting French President Emmanuel Macron’s promise to do whatever it takes to keep Russia from winning the war.
At an informal gathering of European leaders in Paris on Monday, Macron proposed sending more personnel to Ukraine in limited areas, according to people familiar with the discussions, and refused to rule out putting boots on the ground. “There’s currently no consensus to send ground troops in an official and open way,” he said. “But in terms of dynamics, nothing can be ruled out.”