Zelenskyy responds to Macron's statement on sending Western troops to Ukraine
Illustrative photo (Photo: Getty Images)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to the statement of his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron regarding the deployment of troops from Western countries to Ukraine. However, the head of state could not provide a detailed comment, as he is not aware of all the details of this issue, according to a statement of Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a joint press conference with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.
"I wasn't at that summit (in Paris - Ed.). He (French President Emmanuel Macron - Ed.) said he would talk about certain new ideas on how to strengthen Ukraine. And he said he would share information with me when he arrives in Ukraine. He will be here in mid-March," Zelenskyy said.
The president noted that he would be happy to respond to such questions when he personally discusses the matter with Macron. After all, he will then be "deep into the details."
"But the most important thing to understand is that when we share different initiatives, they are all like the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th step. And the first step is to protect and remain strong. This is important. Because now we have questions about aid packages with our European partners and the USA," Zelenskyy added.
Background
On February 26, a working meeting of about 20 European leaders took place at the Élysée Palace in Paris. Conference participants discussed ways to counter Russia and possible ways to help Ukraine confront the aggressor in the context of the escalation on the front lines in recent weeks.
During the summit, French President Emmanuel Macron did not rule out NATO deploying troops to assist Ukraine. According to him, the main problem lies in the absence of consensus on this issue at the moment.
Several NATO countries have already spoken out against this idea, including the United States, Germany, Czechia, Bulgaria, Spain, and Italy.
At the same time, there are countries willing to consider such a possibility, such as Lithuania.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg was categorical, stating that "there are no plans for NATO combat troops on the ground in Ukraine."
Whether partners are indeed preparing to engage their armies in the war - read in the material by RBC-Ukraine
