Macron rules out deployment of French troops to Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron has once again commented on his controversial statement about deploying Western troops in Ukraine, emphasising that French forces will not be deployed there for the time being.

Macron made the remarks in an interview with Czech portals Novinky and Pravo.cz on March 4, as reported by European Pravda.

Macron recalled that he mentioned sending troops in response to a question asked at a meeting with representatives from over 20 states in Paris, only to say that "nothing can be ruled out".

"This does not imply that we are considering sending French troops to Ukraine in the near future, but rather that we are beginning a discussion and considering everything that can be done to assist Ukraine, particularly on Ukrainian territory," he added.

According to the French president, the meeting participants agreed on five areas where they are willing to do more: cyber defence, joint production of military equipment in Ukraine, the security of countries directly threatened by Russia's offensive in Ukraine, particularly Moldova, the opportunity to assist Ukraine on its border with Belarus, and demining operations.

"Furthermore, I have always clearly defined our framework: we are not fighting against the Russian people and refuse to engage in the logic of escalation," Macron emphasised.

President Emmanuel Macron has not ruled out the possibility of sending Western troops to Ukraine in the future after a meeting in Paris last week, emphasising that there is currently no consensus among allies in this regard.

At the same time, the French president's statements provoked a negative response from allied governments, whose leaders quickly assured that no troops would be sent to Ukraine.

While most NATO countries, including major players such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, have ruled out sending troops to Ukraine, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis expressed gratitude to Macron for initiating the debate.

Moscow reacted angrily to Macron's remarks, warning that the deployment of Western troops in Ukraine would inevitably lead to a conflict between Russia and NATO.