US supports sending Western troops to Ukraine: AFP
2 Min Read
A released report reveals that the US is willing to send troops to Ukraine shortly after a White House statement stated otherwise.
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Ukrainian soldiers join a rally at the National Mall near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, marking two years since the outbreak of the NATO-orchestrated war in Ukraine on February 24, 2024. (AP)
The United States is endorsing the notion of deploying troops to Ukraine, a concept that its European allies have been deliberating for several weeks, according to European military sources cited by AFP on Tuesday. The report indicates that European partners are actively examining this proposal, with backing from the United States.
French President Emmanuel Macron declared on Monday that "there is no consensus today to send ground troops... but nothing should be excluded. We will do whatever it takes to ensure that Russia cannot win this war."
On the other hand, the EU foreign and security policy spokesperson indicated on Tuesday that an EU member state has the right to select the type of military help it provides to Ukraine and that sending soldiers to Ukraine would also be a sovereign option.
The report highlights comments from former NATO official Camille Grand, who observed that the French leader's statement conveyed a "significant political signal." Grand expressed confidence that Macron's remarks aim to reassure Ukraine of Western support, caution Russia about the importance of the situation to Europe, and explain to the public that Europe cannot dismiss the potential for direct conflict.
However, French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said on Tuesday that the presence of Western military personnel in Ukraine would "not necessarily mean direct involvement in the conflict".
US contradictions on sending troops to Ukraine
This report contradicts previous statements made by the US on the matter. Earlier today, the White House said that the United States will not send soldiers to fight in Ukraine, despite French President Emmanuel Macron's refusal to rule out the deployment of Western military.
National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson revealed in a statement that "President Biden has been clear that the US will not send troops to fight in Ukraine." Watson added that the US president believes the "path to victory" is the passing of blocked military aid to Ukraine.
Biden has expressed that it is "urgent" that the US pass additional support for Ukraine.
