Berlin and central European countries reject French president’s comments on deploying forces
Germany’s deputy chancellor said there was “no chance” of sending ground troops to Ukraine and, in a rebuff to France, told Paris it should instead supply Kyiv with more weapons. Robert Habeck rejected French President Emmanuel Macron’s suggestion that a western troop deployment to Ukraine should not be ruled out, as Nato leaders also rounded on the idea.
” But a senior European defence official said Macron’s statement was about creating deterrence and ambiguity towards Russia, adding: “Everyone knows there are western special forces in Ukraine — they’ve just not acknowledged it officially.” French officials maintained that Macron was not suggesting western troops should be sent en masse to the front lines, but that it was no longer a taboo to rule out involvement.