France is forging a coalition with Baltic allies in support of potentially deploying Western troops to Ukraine, signaling a growing divide with Germany’s more conservative approach to military aid. French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné met with counterparts from Lithuania, Ukraine, and other Baltic states, advocating for options that include on-the-ground involvement in non-combat roles such as demining efforts. “It is not for Russia to tell us how we should help Ukraine in the coming months or years,” Séjourné stated during a gathering in Lithuania. This notion aligns closely with the rhetoric of French President Emmanuel Macron, who has recently heightened his stance on Ukraine’s defense, suggesting that no options, including ground troop deployment, should be ruled out.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis supported Séjourné’s perspective, asserting, “There cannot be any ‘buts.’ We must draw red lines for Russia, not ourselves.” This sentiment was echoed by Ukraine’s Dmytro Kuleba, who expressed frustration with the fear of escalation that hampers decisive action against Russian aggression. “What kind of escalation are you afraid of? What else has to happen to Ukraine for you to understand that this fear is useless?” Kuleba questioned, underscoring the urgency felt by nations on Russia’s periphery.
Poland, another key ally, has shown signs of aligning with the French stance. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski acknowledged the importance of NATO’s presence in Ukraine not being unthinkable, appreciating Macron’s initiative as a measure to intimidate Putin, rather than Europe living in fear of the Russian President.
Germany, despite being the largest European military aid donor to Ukraine, faces criticism over its reluctance to supply Kyiv with long-range Taurus cruise missiles. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has been adamant about avoiding the deployment of ground troops from European countries or NATO, citing the potential for escalation.
This Franco-German divide has been illuminated by differing perspectives on the best way to support Ukraine. Macron’s hawkish tone and the Paris summit aimed to demonstrate European unity, yet it culminated in exposing the rift with Germany. Macron has promised more aggressive military support, including missiles for “deep strikes,” contrasting with Germany’s cautious stance. Macron’s criticism of the hesitation among EU and NATO states was stark: “Many of those saying ‘Never, never!’ today are the same ones who said never tanks, never planes, never long-range missiles, two years ago.”
Relevant articles:
– France finds Baltic allies in its spat with Germany over Ukraine troop deployment
– France and Germany are at loggerheads over military aid to Ukraine, The Economist, Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT
– Macron raises prospect of sending Western troops to Ukraine – DW – 02, DW (English), Tue, 27 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT
– Macron defends idea of potentially sending troops to Ukraine as allies distance themselves, Le Monde, Wed, 28 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT