As of: March 7, 2024, 4:54 a.m
By: Luke Rogalla
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Press
Split
The discussion about ground troops in Ukraine continues.
The Czech Republic's president also speaks out - the soldiers shouldn't fight.
Prague – With his considerations about sending ground troops to Ukraine, Emmanuel Macron has caused a lot of stir and discussions in NATO.
Most member states expressed clear skepticism and sometimes harsh criticism.
France's president still doesn't want to rule anything out and defends himself: "Every word I say on this topic is considered, thought through and prudent," Macron recently said in the ground troops dispute.
During a visit to the Czech Republic on Tuesday (March 5), he doubled down, saying that Ukraine's European allies "must not be cowards."
Now the Czech Republic's president doesn't seem to be averse to the idea either.
Ground troops in Ukraine for training purposes are conceivable
According to Czech media reports, Petr Pavel does not rule out sending Western troops to Ukraine - although not to fight against Russia, but rather for training purposes.
Czech President Petr Pavel (l.) visits Czech NATO troops.
© Michaela Rihova/Imago
The president called for further discussions on the issue at a joint press conference with Macron.
He called on the alliance partners “not to restrict ourselves where we don’t have to,” the
Novinky
news site quoted him as saying .
“Although Ukraine was attacked, it is still a sovereign country,” Pavel said, adding that such a training mission would not violate international rules.
It makes no difference whether Ukrainian soldiers are trained by Western allies abroad or in Ukraine itself.
“It’s up to us what form of support we choose,” Pavel continued.
Europe as a whole must play a larger role in deterrence.
Send NATO troops to Ukraine?
Putin is already threatening
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the heads of government of other countries had already ruled out sending Western troops to Ukraine.
Estonia's Prime Minister made similar comments to Pavel.
European allies should not rule out the option of ground troops in advance, said Kaja Kallas.
It could also be a “signal to Russia”.
During his State of the Nation address, Vladimir Putin announced “tragic consequences” if NATO sends troops to Ukraine.
According to Russia's president, the West is risking a major nuclear war by supporting Kiev.
At the press conference with Pavel, Macron warned not to speculate about Russia's possible reactions.
Instead, he called for European resolve in the Ukraine war.
(
lrg
)