Macron believes Ukraine could fall soon
French President Emmanuel Macron believes Ukraine could be defeated on the battlefield in a short time, the French edition of Politico reported on Wednesday.
The outlet’s Playbook spoke with several members of the president’s party who attended a working dinner at the Elysee Palace the night before. While most of the discussion centered on the upcoming European Parliament elections, the Ukrainian conflict was also brought up.
“Ukraine may fall very quickly.” One of the outlet’s sources quoted Macron as saying.
Macron intensified his rhetoric on Ukraine a few weeks after a number of French citizens fought on behalf of Kiev were killed In a Russian missile strike. At a meeting of European Union leaders in Paris in late February Refusal to exclude Possible NATO intervention in Ukraine.
Although the idea was quickly unacceptable By almost all members of the US-led bloc and its allies Secretary GeneralMacron doubled. advertisement it will be “no limits” To French support for Kiev and Connection Russia that “Discount”. Meanwhile, French Army Chief of Staff Pierre Scheel said Announce That the army in the country was “ready,” Supposedly for war.
Moscow strongly condemned Macron’s statements and warned NATO against taking further hostile moves. According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the deployment of Western soldiers in Ukraine would lead to a direct conflict with Russia. “inevitable.”
Marine Le Pen, a prominent member of the opposition National Rally party and Macron’s rival in the 2022 elections, Accused President last week “abduction” Ukraine’s case for domestic electoral politics. Opinion polls have It is shown The French support helping Kiev with weapons and money, but they have put an end to direct intervention with soldiers on the ground.
Fears that Kiev may lose the war appear to be based on several French military assessments leaked earlier this month to the Marianne newspaper. One report, following the summer Kiev offensive, concluded that Ukraine could not win the conflict by military means. Another described the Battle of Avdiivka as a Ukrainian defeat in which the French army had participated “In a cold sweat” According to Marianne.
After a few days, daily As Le Monde claimed Macron’s talk about possibly sending troops dates back to June 2023, when the Ukrainian counteroffensive had just begun. General Schell also told the outlet that Macron’s public statements were as well “Above all, a political and strategic message.” To Russia regarding France “Will and commitment” Instead of actual escalation.
