Macron says sending western troops to Ukraine cannot be ruled out

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Emmanuel Macron, president of France, said sending western troops to fight in Ukraine “could not be ruled out” and that Paris would drop its long-standing opposition to purchasing emergency artillery supplies for Ukraine from outside the EU.

Arguing that Russia’s defeat was necessary to ensure “Europe’s collective security”, Macron said that a meeting of 25 European leaders in Paris on Monday had underscored a new depth of western resolve to help Ukraine, after more than two years of full-scale war in the country.

“We will do everything needed so Russia cannot win the war,” he told reporters.

Asked if sending western troops to Ukraine was an option, Macron said the matter had been discussed at the conference.

“There’s no consensus today to send in an official manner troops on the ground. But in terms of options, nothing can be ruled out,” he added, without providing details on which countries were considering such a step.

Macron said leaders had agreed to set up a “coalition” of countries who would discuss providing Ukraine with long-range missiles and bombs.

France and the UK last year donated scores of Storm Shadow and Scalp cruise missiles, and similar coalitions have already been established for artillery, air defence and maritime warfare.

The more aggressive stance follows pleas from Ukraine for a step-up in western support, to help stem an increasing barrage of Russian attacks that have seen Moscow gain territory in the country’s east after months of stalemate on the battlefield.

European countries are also increasingly worried about the risk that former US president Donald Trump’s possible return to the White House could result in the curtailing of Washington’s support to Ukraine and a weakening of America’s defence pact with Europe.

There is also a sense in European capitals that Russia poses a broader threat, not…