Russian official criticises Macron's NATO troop deployment ambitions

Alexei Pushkov, the Chairman of the Russian Federation Council Commission on Information Policy and Interaction with the Media, has voiced criticism of French President Emmanuel Macron's efforts to deploy NATO troops to Ukraine, stating that Macron found himself isolated without support from other Western leaders. Pushkov conveyed his perspective via his Telegram channel.

Pushkov highlighted that Macron's desire to send NATO troops to Ukraine lacked endorsement from other leaders of Western countries. He underscored this point by referencing recent statements made by prominent figures, including U.S. President Biden's assurance that American soldiers would not be deployed to Ukraine, and similar declarations from German and Polish officials regarding troops from their respective nations.

"In his address to the nation, Biden said that there are and will not be American soldiers in Ukraine. Previously, Scholz had said the same thing about German soldiers. And the Chief of the General Staff of Poland talks about Polish soldiers. Macron was left alone. The Gallic rooster crowed early," Pushkov stated, emphasizing the lack of support for Macron's stance.

Earlier, Macron, while emphasizing the need for a robust European strategy, refused to rule out the possibility of sending ground troops to Ukraine, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

At the meeting, Macron asserted that while there was no consensus among the gathered leaders to officially endorse the deployment of ground troops, he stressed that all options remained on the table. Protecting France's strategic ambiguity, Macron stated, "there is no consensus to officially back any ground troops. That said, nothing should be excluded. We will do everything that we can to make sure that Russia does not prevail."

Macron highlighted the evolving nature of the conflict and the need for flexibility in response strategies. He noted that previously held conventions, such as limitations to providing only long-range missiles and planes, had been reconsidered in light of the escalating crisis. Macron remarked, "People used to say give them just sleeping bags and helmets. We must do whatever we can to obtain our objective."