French Foreign Minister explains what operations in Ukraine might require NATO, EU military
French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Stéphane Séjourné (Getty Images)
The French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Stéphane Séjourné, talked about Paris's role in Ukraine and considering the possibility of "new actions" on Ukrainian territory, "without crossing the threshold of hostility," according to BFM TV.
"In the face of Russian attacks and destabilization of Europe, we need to consider new actions to support Ukraine. They need to meet very specific needs," he said.
According to the minister, some actions in Ukraine may require foreign troops.
"I mean, for example, demining, cyber operations, and weapons production on Ukrainian territory. Some of these actions may require a presence on Ukrainian territory without crossing the threshold of hostility. Nothing can be ruled out. This war could end at any moment if Russia decides to withdraw its troops from Ukraine," Séjourné said.
Background
On February 26, a working meeting of about 20 European leaders took place at the Elysee Palace in Paris. Participants discussed ways to counter Russia and possible ways to assist Ukraine in confronting the aggressor in the context of the escalating situation on the front lines in recent weeks.
During the summit, French President Emmanuel Macron did not rule out that NATO would deploy troops to assist Ukraine. According to him, the main problem is that there is currently no consensus on this issue.
However, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke out against sending NATO or EU troops to Ukraine, Czech and Poland also do not consider such an option.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg was categorical, stating that "there are no plans for NATO combat troops on the ground in Ukraine."
For more details on the reaction of other leaders and whether partners are preparing to engage their armies, see the article by RBC-Ukraine.
