The French-led initiative to enhance NATO’s presence in Ukraine, supported by President Emmanuel Macron’s spokesperson, aims to counter Putin’s actions.
Macron proposes NATO non-combat deployments to challenge Moscow. Initially opposed by the U.S., the idea has gained favor among European countries, especially those near Russia.
Haddad highlights increasing NATO commitments in Ukraine, with broader European support for troop deployments. Key European figures, including leaders from Czech Republic, Estonia, Poland, and Lithuania, back the proposal. Support from frontline countries marks a significant shift in alliances, previously cautious of Paris and Berlin.
Highlighting the need to focus on Russia’s escalatory actions, Haddad urged Western capitals to think innovatively about enhancing support for Kyiv, potentially through the deployment of troops.
He suggested the strategic placement of Western forces at the Belarusian border to relieve Ukrainian troops and bolster defenses, drawing parallels to existing troop deployments in the Baltic states and Poland.
Ensuring a coordinated approach is essential, as no single country can address the situation independently.
Russia has consistently cautioned Western nations against extending aid to Ukraine, positioning its conflict with Kyiv as a direct standoff against the U.S.-led “collective West.”
In response to Ukraine’s appeal for NATO troop deployment, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia’s opposition to direct military intervention by NATO countries.
Peskov labeled such actions as highly provocative and perilous, underscoring Russia’s vigilant monitoring of the developments.
Currently, Russian forces are making advances across multiple fronts, pushing Ukrainian troops back in strategic locations and initiating new offensives in the northeastern territories of Kharkiv and Sumy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is urging Western allies once again to step up their support for Kyiv.
Speaking to Reuters recently, Zelensky emphasized the need for decisive action, stating, “It comes down to determination.
But the sentiment is the same across all languages: everyone hesitates due to fear of escalation. The acceptance of Ukrainian casualties as a norm is not viewed as escalation by many.”
Expressing his apprehension, Haddad remarked on the worrisome trends unfolding in the region.
“The situation has been troubling for some time now,” he noted. “We are witnessing an increasingly aggressive stance from Russia, with a shift towards a full-fledged war economy. Our response in both Europe and the United States has been lacking.”
