Russia ‘must not win’: Macron urges European leaders to boost Ukraine support
Macron cited the need to to solidify security to head off any Russian attacks on additional countries in the future. Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia as well as much larger Poland have been considered among possible targets of future Russian expansionism. All four countries are staunch supporters of Ukraine.
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Macron said there was no consensus on sending troops to Ukraine, but the subject could not be ruled out.
“Nothing should be excluded. We will do everything that we must so that Russia does not win,” Macron said, adding that European countries will increase sanctions on countries helping Russia to bypass European sanctions.
A top French official said the conference is not aimed at making new commitments in terms of weapon deliveries and financial aid, but rather at better coordinating support for Kyiv and ensuring that aid promises are kept. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the conference details and goals.
The Paris conference comes after France, Germany and the UK recently signed 10-year bilateral agreements with Ukraine to send a strong signal of long-term backing as Kyiv works to shore up Western support.
Additional reporting by Reuters