 "Macron warns France can’t appear weak as it toughens its stance on Russia")
Amid the continuing war in Ukraine, French President Emanuel Macron has asserted that France must not show weakness in the face of ongoing threats from Russia on Tuesday, stressing the critical need for strength and vigilance.
“We would be wrong to show weakness in the face of this threat. If we want to protect ourselves, we French – which is my sole concern – we must demonstrate that we are not weak against the power that threatens us the most,” he told RTL radio in an interview as quoted by AFP.
Macron has repeatedly clarified that Russian aggression knows “no borders,” stating that if Russia achieves victory in Ukraine, the entire European continent’s credibility could be undermined.
France has been discussing their expansion in nuclear deterrence, underlining the seriousness.
Macron is expected to make an announcement later this week on a voluntary form of military service, after France scrapped compulsory service in 1997.
He told RTL he would be announcing a “transformation of national service into a new form” on Thursday, but did not provide further details.
Ongoing diplomatic efforts
As tension persists, Macron is coordinating with its allies and maintaining pressure on Russia through strategic deterrence and by rallying Europe to present a united front.
Currently no plan to send French troops
Macron however stressed that France had no intention of sending its youth to the fight in Ukraine, responding to involvement in the conflict.
“It is absolutely necessary, at least immediately, to dispel any confused idea suggesting that we are going to send our young people to Ukraine,” he said.
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