Russia warns France of targeting troops if sent to Ukraine

This is according to Reuters.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented on the matter.

"It is characteristic that Macron himself explains this rhetoric with the desire to create some kind of 'strategic uncertainty' for Russia," Zakharova stated.

Zakharova pointed out that the number of French citizens in Russia who have died in Ukraine is increasing.

"If the French appear in the conflict zone, they will inevitably become targets for the Russian armed forces. It seems to me that Paris already has proof of this," she added.

Background

On February 26, approximately 20 European leaders convened in Paris to address the threats posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke at the meeting.

Following the conference, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the possibility of deploying Western ground troops to counter Russian aggression should not be dismissed.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico revealed that certain NATO and EU member countries are reportedly discussing the option of sending troops to Ukraine after reaching bilateral agreements with Kyiv.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and leaders of the Alliance clarified that no collective decision has been made regarding the deployment of troops to Ukraine, with Russia warning that such actions could be seen as a declaration of war.

On February 29, the Estonian Prime Minister suggested that Western leaders should keep the option of sending ground troops to Ukraine on the table.

On March 4, Macron stated that he currently has no plans to deploy French troops to Ukraine but initiated a discussion on the matter.

On March 5, Macron urged allies not to shy away from supporting Ukraine and to step up their efforts. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius responded to his call.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba remarked that the debate sparked by Macron's remarks on Western troop deployment in Ukraine will prompt Europe to realize the need for further action.