"Europe will lose all credibility if Russia wins in Ukraine" — Emmanuel Macron
Paris, France (Svidomi) — In an interview with TF1 and France 2, Emmanuel Macron spoke about his opinion on sending French troops to Ukraine and the need for Ukraine's victory over Russia for peace in Europe. He also responded to Vladimir Putin's nuclear threats.
Macron said that anyone who advocates "limiting" aid to Ukraine is "choosing defeat".
"Two years ago, we said we would never send tanks. We did. Two years ago, we said we would never send medium-range missiles. We did,"
he said.
Macron said that for a lasting peace, Ukraine must regain control of Crimea. After all, Ukraine's sovereignty will ensure peace in Europe. "We are doing everything possible to help Ukraine defeat Russia," the French president said.
Macron also commented on Vladimir Putin's threats to use nuclear weapons. He reminded that France also has nuclear weapons, so such threats are inappropriate.
"First, we must feel secure because we are a nuclear power. We are ready, we have a doctrine," Macron said.
The French President stressed that sending French troops to Ukraine is a "possible option", but "the responsibility for this will lie solely with Russia".
He noted that Ukraine's victory should stabilise the situation in Europe and bring peace because if Russia wins, it will not stop and may attack Moldova, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
"If Russia wins this war, Europe's credibility will be reduced to zero," Macron said.
French opposition parties and politicians condemned Macron's interview. The left-wing Parti de Gauche leader, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, said Macron's words were "scary" and "Those who want peace are preparing peace, but he is not." Mélenchon is known for his support of Russia's occupation of Crimea and his opposition to arms supplies to Ukraine and its accession to NATO.
Éric Ciotti, leader of the right-wing populist party Les Républicains, accused Macron of "fuelling the flames of a potential global conflict" and trying to take a political position amid his European Parliament election campaign. Ciotti is known for his anti-immigrant statements and calls for France to leave NATO.
