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French President Emmanuel Macron has suggested that NATO should consider sending troops to Ukraine to strengthen Kiev’s defenses against Russian occupation forces, including Germany, Europe’s most influential country. This sparked a chorus of protest within the Alliance. But the person who opposed this idea with all its might was, unsurprisingly, Russian President Vladimir Putin. He issued a dire warning that sending NATO troops to Ukraine would lead not only to a major military escalation but also to the use of nuclear weapons by Russia.
The European controversy over Macron’s comments reflects NATO’s deepening dilemma in dealing with the current impasse in the Ukraine war, which entered its third year last month. A year ago, Europe was betting on Kiev’s successful military counteroffensive to drive Russian forces out of Ukraine. That hope has evaporated as Russia has strengthened its defenses and is now taking aggressive actions. Without sufficient weapons and ammunition, Ukraine has one arm tied behind her back.
Meanwhile, pressure from Republicans on the other side of the Atlantic is arguing that Europe should take responsibility for the Ukraine war. Caught between an aggressive Russia and an isolationist America, Europe is facing a period of reckoning. French President Emmanuel Macron, who heads Western Europe’s only serious military power, responded to the challenge by saying NATO should not rule out sending troops to defend Ukraine. Much of Europe is paralyzed by fear of escalation and is unprepared to face the geopolitical consequences of a Russian victory in Ukraine, however it is defined.
The debate started by Mr. Macron is unlikely to die down, as Europe and NATO must find a way to prevent further losses to Ukraine. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine brutally exposed Europe’s illusions about the post-conflict continent and revealed its unpreparedness to defend its territory.
Steps to expand Europe’s arms and ammunition production, similar to Russia’s efforts to mobilize its own industry for the war economy, would not only take time but also be deeply unpopular on a continent that grew up benefiting from a generous welfare state. is.
Meanwhile, NATO must come to terms with President Putin’s nuclear threat, which has successfully prevented the West from deploying all military means to counter Russian aggression. Despite threatening nuclear escalation, President Putin has invited NATO to talks on nuclear arms control. He has also called for negotiations to end the war and to set terms for peace that call for the pro-Russian regime in Kiev and the neutralization of Ukraine. President Putin wants to deepen Europe’s political divisions by making military and political moves at the same time. Can Europe unite? President Macron reminded Europeans: “This is a war against our soil and our continent.”
© Indian Express Private Limited
Date first uploaded: April 3, 2024, 07:40 IST
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