French Foreign Ministry: Ukraine didn't ask us to send troops, but asks us to send ammunition now
French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne stressed that we cannot risk a Russian victory in Ukraine, since the price will be huge for all of us.
"Ukraine did not ask us to send troops, Ukraine is asking us to send ammunition now," he said at a press conference with Ukrainian, Lithuanian, Latvian, Estonian and French counterparts in Lithuania on Friday.
“As you can see, the question is not about an operation in Ukraine, because Ukraine is not asking for this at the moment, but of course we are not ruling out anything in the coming months,” the foreign minister said.
Sejourne reiterated the possibility of mine clearance operations, saying this "could mean having some personnel, but not for combat."
"And I heard you mention "red lines." That's certainly something that needs to be taken into account in this conflict. And we're realizing more and more that if we set "red lines," then the enemy is tempted to go further. And we, of course, should not retreat,” he emphasized.
The minister recalled that since February 24, 2022, France has provided military support to Ukraine in the amount of about EUR3.8 billion, and signed a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine on February 16 of this year.
“I highly appreciate the outstanding support that our Baltic countries provide to Ukraine. And I very much look forward to our close cooperation,” Sejourne said.
He emphasized that the Baltic countries know how aggressive Russia is and how strong our coordination must be.
"There will be further meetings, further contacts on all topics so that we can continue to move forward. We recognize together that we cannot risk a Russian victory in Ukraine. The cost will be enormous for all of us. We all know that Russia will not stop there. Obviously, you understand very well what Putin’s narrative means,” the foreign minister emphasized.
Sejourne reiterated the need to “make Europe the master of its destiny, and France will support this project.”