Condition for Europe's security is Russia losing war in Ukraine - Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron (Getty Images)

The security of Europe hinges on Russia not winning the war it is waging in Ukraine, declared French President Emmanuel Macron.

“A prerequisite for our security is that Russia does not emerge victorious in the aggressive war it is conducting in Ukraine. I fully stand by the choice I made in Paris on February 26 to reintroduce strategic ambiguity,” he said.

The president emphasized that Ukraine is a necessary condition for European security.

“Do we have any limits? No. And therefore, we must be convincing, restrain, be present, and continue efforts. Therefore, what we need to do, and this is a new paradigm, is to ensure the reliable defense of the European continent,” he said.

According to Macron, Europe must give substance to the reliable defense of Europe, which is a prerequisite for restoring the overall security system.

“Does this mean we need a missile defense shield? Perhaps. Do we need to enhance our defense potential for this, and if so, how? Certainly. That’s why in the coming months, I will invite all our partners to create this European defense initiative,” he added.

Macron’s initiative

On February 26, French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the possibility of NATO intervention in support of Ukraine, including the deployment of foreign troops. This sparked discussions among allies.

Later, France clarified that it did not involve the direct dispatch of troops for active participation in combat operations. But some NATO countries, including Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Canada, expressed readiness to discuss it.

However, most states did not support Macron’s stance. Western media also report that this unexpected statement by the French president has further strained tensions in his relationship with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.