Europe must stop Russia if it goes 'too far' in Ukraine war: Macron
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French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Europe to stop Russia if it threatened its interests and security.
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French President Emmanuel Macron waits on the steps of the Elysee Palace, Monday, March 11, 2024 in Paris (AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron said if Russia goes "too far" in its war against Ukraine and threatens European security and stability, then Europe must be ready to stop it.
In a video-recorded statement on Saturday, Macron said, "If Russians go too far at some point, all of us, Europeans, must be ready to act to contain them."
He further affirmed France's aversion to hostile engagement as it was not "a power not of war, but of peace," but noted that if Europe's peace was threatened, it would have to interfere.
"That is why we need to arm ourselves and that is why we need to be a deterrence and be persuasive towards our enemies, telling them, 'If you go so far as to threaten my interests and my own security, I do not rule out intervention,'" he said.
Undying support for Ukraine
On February 24, Macron pledged that his country's support for Ukraine "will not waver".
"Battered and bruised, but still standing. Ukraine is fighting for itself, for its ideals, for our Europe. Our commitment at its side will not waver," he wrote in a message on X marking the second anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine.
A separate statement from Macron's office touted the European Union's support for Kiev, including accepting refugees, offering civil and military aid, and imposing additional sanctions against Moscow.
"President Putin's Russia must not count on any fatigue from Europeans," the statement said.
"France is also committed to continuing its support on all fronts, including the supply of military equipment, cooperation between defence industries through the development of co-productions, training, intelligence and civilian aid," it added.
"The outcome of this war will be decisive for European interests, values and security."
The French pledge of support came as other key Ukrainian allies renewed their commitment to assisting Kiev.
