NATO chief rebukes Macron — RT World News
The French President had previously hinted that the bloc might send troops to Ukraine
The Secretary-General of the US-led bloc, Jens Stoltenberg, confirmed that NATO does not plan to deploy troops in Ukraine. His comments contradict suggestions from French President Emmanuel Macron, who faced a backlash last month when he made the announcement He said the West “Can't be ruled out” The possibility of sending soldiers to help Ukraine in the conflict with Russia.
Stoltenberg refuted the idea shortly after Macron's initial statement, and reiterated his position in an interview with Reuters published on Monday.
He added: “NATO has no plans to send forces to Ukraine, and the alliance is not a party to the conflict, nor is it a NATO ally.” He said. Stoltenberg warned that even if members individually decide to send troops to a conflict zone, NATO as a whole would be affected because its members are bound by a collective defense pact.
When asked whether Marcone's comments about the lack of consensus on the deployment of troops in Ukraine were a mistake, Stoltenberg did not respond directly, but indicated that discussions were necessary.
“I think it is important that we consult and have a common approach to these important topics because they concern us all.” He was quoted as saying.
Several NATO members refuted Macron's comments, with the majority pledging to have no boots on the ground in Ukraine and suggesting the bloc should instead focus on military and financial aid to Kiev.
The United States and its allies have sent more than $278 billion in financial, military, and material aid to the Ukrainian government since the conflict with Russia escalated in February 2022, according to data from the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. There is also an additional $60 billion in US funding on the table, but it is currently being held in Congress.
Moscow has to caution NATO forces in Ukraine are likely to make direct confrontation between Russia and the US-led bloc inevitable. Russia views the conflict in Ukraine as a proxy war against it, and has repeatedly said that NATO members, by helping Kiev, are prolonging hostilities.
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