Ground troops for Ukraine: What is behind Macron's proposal?

NATO, EU, French opposition: President Macron was criticized indiscriminately for the fantasy of ground troops in Ukraine. But what is the purpose of the French president with this?

The meeting organized in Paris on Ukraine was intended to bring a deal - but it will be remembered as the cornerstone of the lack of unity. And this is because Emmanuel Macron rushed to come out on top once again. To the journalist's question, if what the Russian-friendly Slovakian Prime Minister, Robert Fico, had said is correct, that the Paris meeting discussed the sending of peace troops, Macron answered yes. We talked openly and very directly about everything. There is no consensus on what to send ground troops to Ukraine. "But we have a dynamic in which nothing can be excluded. We are doing everything so that Russia does not win this war", according to the French president.

When Macron said this, many politicians had left Paris. Reactions, however, did not delay the next day. Poland, Italy, Great Britain, Slovakia announced that they do not plan to send ground troops. During a meeting in Freiburg, Chancellor Scholz assured that "even in the future, there will be no ground troops, there will be no soldiers on Ukrainian soil sent there by NATO or EU countries."

Strategy of ambiguity

Interpretations are now being made, as to why Macron has unnecessarily gone so far. What is known is that this idea fits with the philosophy of threat, of the "strategy of ambiguity" against Russia. Moscow should not sleep on security. There is no fatigue in the EU regarding Ukraine, it was said from the Elysée Palace in Paris. At the same time Macron sees himself as a leader in the EU, as someone who has brought to the consciousness of the EU the goal of European sovereignty, and who encourages Europe to become more independent. He said that "It is our future. Europe is at stake. So the Europeans should decide. We must be able to do it ourselves without outside help. Not out of anger or pessimism, but simply because it's up to us."

Sting against Germany?

But this proposal can also be thought of as a sting against Germany. Because Germany and France blame each other for not doing enough to support Ukraine. Berlin criticizes that France's aid to Ukraine is too small. Paris, for its part, says that despite Germany, France sends long-range missiles, which are urgently needed on the battlefield. Criticism of Scholz was not hidden, when on Monday evening, Macron said that those who say today "never, never" are those who in the past said "never tanks, never planes".

Criticism of Macron also came from the opposition in the country. The most radical voice of the left in France, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, wrote on Platform X, that "this verbal escalation of a nuclear power against another nuclear power is irresponsible". Even the leader of the far-right party, Rassemblement National, Marine Le Pen criticized the president. Macron is playing "war boss", said Le Pen. Moscow also reacted harshly. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the mere possibility of sending contingents to Ukraine from NATO countries is being discussed is a "very important new element." This would inevitably lead to confrontation."

The decision on the production of ammunition

The debate after Macron's statement meant that due attention was not paid to the decisions at the Paris Conference, where 15 countries supported the Czech proposal to buy ammunition for Ukraine in the EU. The Netherlands will make available 100 million euros for this. The sensitive topic remains that of sending long-range missiles. Chancellor Scholz, who left immediately after the end of the conference, refused to send the "Taurus" missiles. France sends its SCALP long-range missile against Germany. Now a coalition of states willing to organize the supply of medium- and long-range missiles to Ukraine will be created. The states participating in the conference agreed on 5 common goals: Defense of Moldova, strengthening of cyber defense against Russia, strengthening of Ukraine on the Belarusian border, production of weapons and ammunition and aid for demining.

Source: tagesschau/Julia Borutta/ARD/Paris