“We are talking about that possibility, and we are doing this quite openly. There are a lot of nuances about what could happen and under what conditions,” he told reporters on Tuesday. “Ammunition is the main instrument that is needed today and that was needed yesterday, but everything is on the table.”
His comment followed French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent statement that the possibility of sending Western troops to Ukraine in the future is not ruled out.
Lithuanian Defence Minister Arvydas Anušauskas also spoke about the possibility of NATO troops going to Ukraine for training purposes earlier on Tuesday. In his words, Lithuania currently has a mandate to pool a training mission for Ukrainians, and Lithuanian troops are training Ukrainians in the UK, Germany, and Lithuania.
Sending Lithuanian Troops to Training Missions in Ukraine Possible – Adviser - LRT
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia
Emmanuel Macron's statement that he could consider sending troops to Ukraine shows that the importance of Ukraine's victory has reached Western decision-makers and there is a willingness to do more, writes Margus Tsahkna.
It is actions and results that count, not words. We must be bolder in our actions, because Russia's wishes have not changed. If Russia is victorious, it will not stop in Ukraine and will next knock on NATO's door to reshape Europe's security architecture. There is nothing less at stake and no more than our freedom.
It is clear that, although there is currently no political consensus on the issue of sending soldiers to Ukraine, this may change the attitude of some countries towards immediate military assistance to Ukraine, as this would certainly be an easier solution than direct intervention. Importantly, on the issue of ammunition, the principle that it must come only from the European defence industry was abandoned.
Margus Tsahkna: Emmanuel Macron Shifted the Paradigm of Supporting Ukraine | Opinion | ERR
Estonia: Nothing off the Table
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas stated that “everything” is on the table to support Ukraine’s victory over Putin and highlighted the need for private discussions on all options. Her remarks were in response to French President Emmanuel Macron’s hint at potentially sending ground troops to assist Kyiv, which had previously sparked a backlash from allied governments, prompting quick clarifications that troop deployment was not imminent.
On 27 February, Gen. Onno Eichelsheim, Chief of Defence of the Netherlands, stated that it is “not yet opportune” for the Netherlands to discuss sending soldiers to Ukraine. Nevertheless, he emphasized the need to keep all options open to best support Ukraine.
Eichelsheim highlighted that any Western military involvement in Ukraine would likely require a coalition, involving either NATO or an alliance of 10 to 15 countries. He emphasized that such a decision would be political, and it would be unusual for just one or two countries to take such action.
So Lithuania, Estonia, Canada and the Netherlands haven't outright ruled it out but said it's not currently being done. Just do it, especially if it is true that UK has troops in there helping Ukraine operate Storm Shadow, Lol. If we're being honest though, nobody is going to move ahead with this unless both Germany and USA are involved.
Last edited by Ryuu96 - on 04 March 2024
