Following remarks by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte about Ukraine being prohibited from joining NATO, French President Emmanuel Macron intervened in Ukraine’s defence, stating that it is up to Ukraine to decide whether it wants to join NATO and host foreign troops as a security guarantee, and that Moscow has no say in these decisions. NATO’s Secretary General made these comments following a meeting with President Trump.
President Macron also confirmed that France, and other European and “non-European” countries (probably a reference to Turkey) are willing to deploy troops in Ukraine as a security guarantee. In a separate statement, President Macron urged Russia to stop its delays and immediately accept the US proposed ceasefire agreement.
Meanwhile, President Macron may be preparing to receive orders for French jets and anti-aircraft systems as Europe seeks to re-arm while some countries shun the prospect of future purchases of US weaponry. Canada has just scrapped its plans to purchase F-35 fighter jets from the US, following Portugal’s recent decision to cancel its own F-35 acquisition. Concerns about US fighting jets are increasing after the US, recently withdrew its remote radio jamming and software support for Ukraine’s F-16s during its temporary suspension of military aid.
Newsroom
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