French President Emmanuel Macron speaks at the Elysee Palace in Paris after the meeting of European leaders on Monday. AP
French President Emmanuel Macron speaks at the Elysee Palace in Paris after the meeting of European leaders on Monday. AP
French President Emmanuel Macron speaks at the Elysee Palace in Paris after the meeting of European leaders on Monday. AP
French President Emmanuel Macron speaks at the Elysee Palace in Paris after the meeting of European leaders on Monday. AP

France's Macron won't rule out sending troops to Ukraine


Soraya Ebrahimi
  • English
  • Arabic

French President Emmanuel Macron said he was not ruling out sending western ground troops to Ukraine to achieve Europe's goal of defeating Russia.

"We are convinced that the defeat of Russia is indispensible to security and stability in Europe," Mr Macron said after a meeting in Paris of two dozen European leaders to discuss Ukraine.

Russia, he said, was showing a "more aggressive attitude not just in Ukraine but in general".

While there was "no consensus" on sending western ground troops to Ukraine, "nothing should be excluded", Mr Macron said.

"We will do whatever it takes to ensure that Russia cannot win this war."

He said a new coalition would be set up to supply Ukraine with "missiles and bombs of medium and long range to carry out deep strikes".

There was a "broad consensus to do more and quicker", Mr Macron said.

"Nothing can be excluded to achieve our objective. Russia cannot win that war."

Second anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war marked around the world - in pictures

  • Local residents attend a memorial ceremony under a destroyed bridge in Irpin, Kyiv, on the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. AFP
    Local residents attend a memorial ceremony under a destroyed bridge in Irpin, Kyiv, on the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. AFP
  • Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo attend a wreath-lying ceremony at the Memory Wall of Fallen Defenders of Ukraine in Kyiv. AFP
    Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo attend a wreath-lying ceremony at the Memory Wall of Fallen Defenders of Ukraine in Kyiv. AFP
  • A woman reacts next to flags bearing symbols and colours of Ukraine set to commemorate fallen Ukrainian army soldiers at Independence Square in Kyiv. AFP
    A woman reacts next to flags bearing symbols and colours of Ukraine set to commemorate fallen Ukrainian army soldiers at Independence Square in Kyiv. AFP
  • A person waves a Ukrainian flag in Berlin. Reuters
    A person waves a Ukrainian flag in Berlin. Reuters
  • The Eiffel Tower is lit in the colours of Ukrainian flag in Paris. AFP
    The Eiffel Tower is lit in the colours of Ukrainian flag in Paris. AFP
  • The Chain Bridge is illuminated with the colours of Ukraine to mark the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of the country in Budapest, Hungary. AFP
    The Chain Bridge is illuminated with the colours of Ukraine to mark the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of the country in Budapest, Hungary. AFP
  • Ukrainian citizen and anti-war activists holding Moldovan and Ukrainian flags at a protest in front of the Russian embassy, in Chisinau, Moldova. EPA
    Ukrainian citizen and anti-war activists holding Moldovan and Ukrainian flags at a protest in front of the Russian embassy, in Chisinau, Moldova. EPA
  • Ukrainians and their supporters carry a huge Ukrainian flag during a rally at the National Mall near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. AP
    Ukrainians and their supporters carry a huge Ukrainian flag during a rally at the National Mall near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. AP
  • Ukraine's national flower, the sunflower, placed amid a crowd in Times Square. Getty Images
    Ukraine's national flower, the sunflower, placed amid a crowd in Times Square. Getty Images
  • People attend a protest to mark the two-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, at the Old Town Square in Prague, Czech Republic. Reuters
    People attend a protest to mark the two-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, at the Old Town Square in Prague, Czech Republic. Reuters
  • Pro-Ukraine demonstrators take part in a rally commemorating the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine at the Obelisk in Buenos Aires. AFP
    Pro-Ukraine demonstrators take part in a rally commemorating the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine at the Obelisk in Buenos Aires. AFP
  • People attend a demonstration to mark the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in Madrid, Spain. Reuters
    People attend a demonstration to mark the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in Madrid, Spain. Reuters
  • The Frankfurt Europe Tower in the colours of the Ukrainian flag as a sign of solidarity with the people suffering from the war in Ukraine. AP
    The Frankfurt Europe Tower in the colours of the Ukrainian flag as a sign of solidarity with the people suffering from the war in Ukraine. AP
  • Paper angels displayed as people attend a prayer service at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in London, UK. Getty Images
    Paper angels displayed as people attend a prayer service at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in London, UK. Getty Images
  • A dog wearing a jacket with the slogan "UK Dogs Back Ukraine" at a vigil in Trafalgar Square, in London. AFP
    A dog wearing a jacket with the slogan "UK Dogs Back Ukraine" at a vigil in Trafalgar Square, in London. AFP
  • The Place du Capitole illuminated in the colours of the Ukrainian flag to mark the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in Toulouse. AFP
    The Place du Capitole illuminated in the colours of the Ukrainian flag to mark the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in Toulouse. AFP

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Polish President Andrzej Duda were among the leaders of about 25 European countries at the conference.

Other states sent ministers, with UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron present, along with representatives from the US and Canada.

Mr Macron said earlier as he opened the conference at the Elysee Palace that Ukraine's allies needed to increase their support as the war entered its third year.

"We have seen hardening on the part of Russia, especially these past few months," he said.

He said this was shown on February 16 with the death in custody of President Vladimir Putin's top opponent Alexei Navalny, but also in a hardening of Russia's positions on the frontlines, where it was planning new attacks.

Mr Macron said a "leap" was needed from the West in its approach that "takes into account the transformation of the threat from a military and strategic point of view".

The conference indicated his eagerness to be seen as a European champion of Ukraine's cause, amid growing fears that American support could wane in coming months.

"Together we must ensure that Putin cannot destroy our achievements and cannot expand his aggression to other nations," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a brief video message to the conference.

Mr Zelenskyy on Sunday told reporters that leaders in Europe realised "how dangerous" the war is for "the whole of Europe".

"I think they have realised that Putin will continue this war," he said.

Western officials acknowledge that Russia could gain the upper hand in the conflict this year as Ukraine runs out of weapons and ammunition.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said on Sunday that half of the western military aid pledged to Kyiv is delivered late, noting that "commitment does not constitute delivery".

Mr Zelenskyy said 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed in the war with Russia.

A French presidential official said the meeting must contradict any "impression that things are falling apart" after Ukraine's setbacks on the battlefield.

"We want to send a clear message to Putin that he will not prevail in Ukraine," the official said.

There are growing doubts about the viability of long-term US backing for Ukraine as a new aid package struggles to find legislative approval and Donald Trump, who has indicated opposition to further support for Kyiv, seeks to return to the presidency in elections this year.

A vote by Hungary's Parliament on Monday clearing the final obstacle for Sweden to join Nato was received with relief by Ukraine's allies.

Mr Macron congratulated Sweden, while Mr Scholz called the move "a win for all of us" and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hailed a "historic day" for the military alliance.

Expert input

If you had all the money in the world, what’s the one sneaker you would buy or create?

“There are a few shoes that have ‘grail’ status for me. But the one I have always wanted is the Nike x Patta x Parra Air Max 1 - Cherrywood. To get a pair in my size brand new is would cost me between Dh8,000 and Dh 10,000.” Jack Brett

“If I had all the money, I would approach Nike and ask them to do my own Air Force 1, that’s one of my dreams.” Yaseen Benchouche

“There’s nothing out there yet that I’d pay an insane amount for, but I’d love to create my own shoe with Tinker Hatfield and Jordan.” Joshua Cox

“I think I’d buy a defunct footwear brand; I’d like the challenge of reinterpreting a brand’s history and changing options.” Kris Balerite

 “I’d stir up a creative collaboration with designers Martin Margiela of the mixed patchwork sneakers, and Yohji Yamamoto.” Hussain Moloobhoy

“If I had all the money in the world, I’d live somewhere where I’d never have to wear shoes again.” Raj Malhotra

Favourite things

Luxury: Enjoys window shopping for high-end bags and jewellery

Discount: She works in luxury retail, but is careful about spending, waits for sales, festivals and only buys on discount

University: The only person in her family to go to college, Jiang secured a bachelor’s degree in business management in China

Masters: Studying part-time for a master’s degree in international business marketing in Dubai

Vacation: Heads back home to see family in China

Community work: Member of the Chinese Business Women’s Association of the UAE to encourage other women entrepreneurs

FIXTURES

All kick-off times 10.45pm UAE ( 4 GMT)

Tuesday
Mairobr v Liverpool
Spartak Moscow v Sevilla
Feyenoord v Shakhtar Donetsk
Manchester City v Napoli
Monaco v Besiktas
RB Leipzig v Porto
Apoel Nicosia v Borussia Dortmund
Real Madrid v Tottenham Hotspur

Wednesday
Benfica v Manchester United
CSKA Moscow v Basel
Bayern Munich v Celtic
Anderlecht v Paris Saint-Germain
Qarabag v Atletico Madrid
Chelsea v Roma
Barcelona v Olympiakos
Juventus v Sporting Lisbon

UK%20-%20UAE%20Trade
%3Cp%3ETotal%20trade%20in%20goods%20and%20services%20(exports%20plus%20imports)%20between%20the%20UK%20and%20the%20UAE%20in%202022%20was%20%C2%A321.6%20billion%20(Dh98%20billion).%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThis%20is%20an%20increase%20of%2063.0%20per%20cent%20or%20%C2%A38.3%20billion%20in%20current%20prices%20from%20the%20four%20quarters%20to%20the%20end%20of%202021.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20UAE%20was%20the%20UK%E2%80%99s%2019th%20largest%20trading%20partner%20in%20the%20four%20quarters%20to%20the%20end%20of%20Q4%202022%20accounting%20for%201.3%20per%20cent%20of%20total%20UK%20trade.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Brief scores:

Day 1

Toss: India, chose to bat

India (1st innings): 215-2 (89 ov)

Agarwal 76, Pujara 68 not out; Cummins 2-40

How to wear a kandura

Dos

  • Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion 
  • Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
  • Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work 
  • Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester

Don’ts 

  • Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal 
  • Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Updated: February 27, 2024, 4:30 AM