French President Emmanuel Macron's recent statements on the potential deployment of foreign troops to Ukraine have sparked concerns among American officials, fearing a direct confrontation with Russia.
Increased Tensions
According to Bloomberg, citing a source familiar with the discussions between allies, Macron's comments were intended to prompt Russian leader Vladimir Putin to reconsider his actions.
NATO officials involved in discussions on Ukraine feel that the statements may have had the opposite effect.
Bloomberg's sources, who preferred to remain anonymous, said Macron's comments were also not very smart from an operational security perspective. The agency noted that several countries had already secretly deployed some contingents to Ukraine.
Despite the backlash, some EU prime ministers view Macron as a leading figure, appreciating his firm stance against Russia.
At the same time, critics of the French president argue that he talks more than he does.
Support and Criticism
The controversy surrounds Macron's support for a Czech initiative to purchase ammunition for Ukraine from non-EU countries. While Macron voiced his support last month, France has yet to announce any financial contribution to the effort.
In response to the debate over his comments on deploying Western troops to Ukraine, Macron refused to back down, insisting that his statements were well thought out, but also stressing that France would not follow the "logic of escalation" in relations with Moscow.
Later, commenting on the idea he raised, Macron clarified that any potential French involvement would not entail offensive actions against Russia.
