French President Emmanuel Macron's remarks suggesting the possibility of sending troops to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia have ignited fresh tensions between France and Russia. Macron's comments, made during a European leaders' conference on Monday (February 26), alluded to the potential deployment of troops to Kiev, prompting a sharp rebuke from the Kremlin. The Associated Press (AP) reported on the developments.

According to AP, Ukraine has faced relentless assaults from Russian forces for several months, with the country at risk of losing ground due to insufficient support from Western allies. In response, European leaders convened in Paris to discuss strategies to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities.

During the conference, Macron hinted at the prospect of sending troops to Ukraine, a move that drew significant attention and debate. While acknowledging the lack of consensus among participating leaders on the matter, Macron emphasized France's commitment to preventing Russia from prevailing in the conflict.

Although NATO member states have provided military assistance to Ukraine since the outset of the war, state-initiated troop deployments have not occurred. Nevertheless, Macron's remarks have raised concerns in Moscow, with the Kremlin warning of the potential escalation of tensions if NATO troops are deployed to Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesman Peskov expressed serious concern over discussions surrounding the deployment of NATO troops, cautioning that such action would constitute direct involvement in the conflict. The prospect of troop deployment, he emphasized, would heighten the risk of a Russian-NATO confrontation.

The Paris conference saw participation from at least 20 European leaders, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the collective effort to address the Ukraine crisis. While discussions on providing arms aid and other forms of support have been ongoing, Macron's mention of troop deployment has introduced a new dimension to the deliberations, underscoring the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.