French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday new steps to support Ukraine in its battle against the Russian war, stating that sending Western ground troops to achieve Europe's goal of defeating Moscow is not out of the question. In a speech at the end of an international conference to support Ukraine, which included over twenty European leaders, Macron painted a grim picture of Russia, indicating that its positions are becoming "more hardline" both domestically and on the battlefield.
"We are convinced that defeating Russia is essential for security and stability in Europe," he said, adding that Russia is displaying "a more aggressive posture not only in Ukraine but generally." He noted that although there is no "consensus" regarding the deployment of Western ground troops to Ukraine, "nothing should be ruled out. We will do whatever it takes to ensure that Russia cannot win this war."
Macron discussed the creation of a new coalition to supply Ukraine with "medium and long-range missiles and bombs." He pointed out that there is "broad consensus on doing more and doing so more quickly." He affirmed, "Nothing can be ruled out to achieve our goal. Russia cannot win this war."
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Polish President Andrzej Duda were among the nearly 20 heads of state and government present at the conference, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a speech via video link. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron also participated, and the conference was represented by both the United States and Canada.
