Macron says Ukraine’s allies must not be cowards, rise up to historic challenge

Macron urged Ukrainian allies not to be cowardly in supporting the country against Russian aggression, urging them to "rise to the occasion."

Mar 5, 2024 - 19:49

Macron says Ukraine’s allies must not be cowards, rise up to historic challenge

In a speech delivered in Czechia on 5 March, French President Emmanuel Macron called on Ukraine’s allies “not to be cowards” in supporting the country’s fight against Russian aggression. Facing the raging Russo-Ukrainian war, he urged them not to falter and to show courage equal to the historic challenges posed by the conflict, according to BFMTV.

Earlier, Macron faced backlash for suggesting the deployment of Western troops to Ukraine at a conference in Paris on 26 February, but he reaffirmed his stance during a visit to Prague, emphasizing the need for a “strategic leap,” Reuters noted. Macron added that he “fully stood behind” controversial remarks made last week, not ruling out sending Western troops to Ukraine, which sent a shockwave around Europe, according to Le Monde.

“We are undoubtedly approaching a moment in our Europe when we must not be cowards,” Macron stated before the French community at the Lycée Français in Prague, Czech Republic.

In a reference to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the French President said:

“War has once again reached our land, and relentless forces are expanding their threat, launching increasingly frequent attacks against us. We must rise to the challenge posed by history and the courage it demands,” he said, adding: “One never wants to see the dramas that are coming and what is at stake.“

Speaking later after meeting his Petr Pavel, Macron said:

“Is this or is it not our war? Can we look away in the belief that we can let things run their course? I don’t believe so, and therefore I called for a strategic surge, and I fully stand behind that.”

BFMTV says Macron’s visit to the Czech Republic aims to demonstrate his “particular attention” to Central Europe, according to his entourage. This visit comes as he appears more focused on asserting his leadership in support of Kyiv and in the confrontation with Russia. During his visit, he was going to meet with his Czech counterpart Petr Pavel, whom he hosted in Paris in December.

With contributions from Christine Chraibi.

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