A spokesperson for French President Emmanuel Macron's Renaissance party has urged NATO states to stop "negotiating" among themselves regarding the extent of their commitment to Ukraine.
With Russian troops advancing and President Vladimir Putin showing no interest in de-escalation, Benjamin Haddad—a leading voice on French foreign affairs and a member of Parliament from Macron's party—advocates for a stronger Western response. "We should stop negotiating with ourselves and setting limits," Haddad said at the Lennart Meri Conference in Tallinn, Estonia. "Russia imposes no limits on its behavior or rhetoric."
"We've wasted time debating what types of ammunition and weaponry to send," Haddad continued. "If we had provided Ukraine with everything they needed—long-range missiles, tanks, airplanes—from the start, it could have significantly impacted the conflict."
Haddad emphasized the need to change the approach towards Putin, suggesting that the West should be prepared to increase both the quantity and nature of their support for Ukraine. Macron's government, while keeping its military support details undisclosed, has considered deploying a multinational noncombat force in Ukraine and has provided Storm Shadow/SCALP cruise missiles for Ukrainian use. Macron has stated that no action should be ruled out.
"We worry too much about escalation, whereas Russia has been escalating all along," Haddad said. He stressed the importance of Europe and NATO thinking creatively about their support to ensure Russia's defeat would have direct security implications for the EU.
One of the discussed options is deploying NATO troops, despite resistance from the U.S. and Germany. Another proposal involves using NATO's air defense to protect western Ukraine from Russian missiles and drones. Relocating maintenance operations for Western weapons to Ukraine, such as for CAESAR self-propelled howitzers, could significantly reduce logistical strain and resource use.
Haddad noted growing momentum for deeper NATO involvement in Ukraine, though resistance remains. He highlighted the need for coordinated decisions and continued conversations among regional allies.
Russia has repeatedly warned against Western aid to Ukraine, framing its conflict as a direct confrontation with the U.S.-led West. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov recently labeled a Ukrainian petition for NATO force deployment as a dangerous provocation.
Haddad criticized the slow EU and U.S. response to Russia's invasion, expressing concern over the U.S. partisan gridlock on aid to Ukraine, especially with upcoming 2024 elections. He called for increased production and coordination of ammunition and weaponry within Europe.
Macron and his allies are pushing for reduced reliance on Washington, D.C., amid GOP skepticism and President Joe Biden's perceived hesitance in Ukraine. Haddad stressed the importance of European strategic autonomy in defense and support for Ukraine.
Among the proposals is the issuance of defense Eurobonds worth over $100 billion to arm Ukraine and upgrade European armories. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas supported the idea, emphasizing the need for collective investment to have a significant impact.
2024 is expected to be a decisive year for Ukraine, with Russian forces on the offensive and key elections in the U.S. and EU. The potential return of former President Donald Trump's "America First" foreign policy and a predicted far-right surge in the European Parliament raise concerns about future support for Ukraine.
"There are concerns about the U.S. election outcome," Haddad said. "Even if Biden is reelected, future congressional support for Ukraine is uncertain. Europe must prepare to step up if U.S. support wanes."
Haddad concluded by reiterating Macron's message to European partners: "Even without U.S. support, Europe must be ready to step up."
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