Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky never asked for Western troops to fight a Russian invasion, the White House said on Tuesday, as French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated that he would not rule out the possibility.
"President Zelenski is not asking for that, he is only asking for tools and capacities. He has never asked for foreign troops to fight for his country," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.
Earlier on Tuesday, Macron said he was "fully behind" last week's statement that he did not rule out the deployment of Western troops to Ukraine, which sent shockwaves across Europe.
He also said Ukraine's allies should avoid looking like cowards in supporting Kiev.
"We are certainly approaching a moment for Europe in which it will be necessary not to be cowards," Macron said during a visit to the Czech Republic. "And I believe that our two countries are aware of what is happening in Europe, that the war has returned to our territory".
He added that the threat is unstoppable and that it is spreading to European countries "every day".
"Is this or is it not our war? Can we look away in the belief that we can let things take their course," Macron asked. "I don't believe that and that's why I called for a strategic jump and I fully stand behind it".
The head of Russia's foreign intelligence service (SVR), Sergei Naryshkin, according to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, said Macron's statement showed the irresponsibility of European leaders and was bringing the world to the brink of nuclear war.
Most European allies said they would not send troops to Ukraine after Macron said on February 26 that he did not rule out the deployment of Western troops to Ukraine.
French officials sought to clarify Macron's remarks and quell criticism, while insisting on the need to send a clear signal to Russia that it cannot win in Ukraine.
Any forces sent to Ukraine could be sent to support operations such as demining, rather than to fight Russian forces, they said.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Macron's quotes did not help.
"We don't really need ... discussions about boots on the ground or about having more or less courage," Pistorius told a news conference in Stockholm after meeting his Swedish counterpart.
During a visit to Prague, Macron met with Czech President Petr Pavel, a former NATO general, who agreed that Ukraine's allies should look for "new ways" to help, but said the West would not cross an "imaginary red line" by engaging in combat. operations.
"We agree that the only option for us is to continue supporting Ukraine," Pavel said. "We agreed that Europe must play a bigger role in helping Ukraine."
Pavel suggested that NATO members could, for example, train Ukrainian soldiers in Ukraine, which, he said, would not constitute a violation of international rules.
The presidents of the two countries also commented on Prague's plan to buy ammunition for Ukraine outside of Europe.
About 15 countries have expressed their support for the plan to buy 500.000 155mm shells and 300.000 122mm shells worth about 1,5 billion dollars. The Netherlands has already pledged to donate 100 million euros ($108,5 million).
Macron said France supported the plan, but did not say how much it might contribute. France has long advocated that the EU use European funding only for the European defense industry and opposed the idea of buying outside the EU.
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