"Macron Stands Firm: Europe Must Prepare for Russian Escalation in Ukraine"

French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated his refusal to rule out the possibility of sending Western troops to Ukraine, emphasizing the existential threat posed by a Russian victory. He defended his strategy of strategic ambiguity, arguing that setting limits on responding to Moscow's actions would be choosing defeat. Despite support from French lawmakers, public opinion appears to be against Macron's stance, with a majority expressing concern about turning Russia into an adversary. Macron's hawkish tone has also strained relations with Germany, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz taking a more subdued approach, and the two leaders are set to meet in an attempt to display unity.