Peskov points to lack of unity in Europe on sending troops to Ukraine

There is no unanimity of opinion among Europeans on the issue of sending military personnel to the Ukrainian front, but some "hotheads" are appearing. Kremlin spokesman Dmitriy Peskov said this at a briefing on 25 November.

Thus, he commented on reports in the French media about renewed discussions on sending troops or fighters of private military companies (PMCs) to Ukraine.

Peskov added that the Kremlin does not know to what extent these reports correspond to reality.

"Earlier, of course, from various European capitals such ideas were voiced, but various counterarguments were also expressed not in favor of this idea, so there is no unity of opinion among Europeans on this issue, but some hotheads appear," he concluded.

Earlier in the day, the Le Monde newspaper quoted sources as saying that the debate on sending troops to Ukraine "has not been buried". It was specified that these discussions have become more frequent in recent weeks due to the visit of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to France on November 11.

French President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly said that he does not rule out the possible dispatch of military personnel. He first said this on February 26 following a conference on supporting Ukraine, which was held in Paris. Later, on March 14, the French leader announced his commitment to the position that there were no "red lines" in the issues of assistance to Kiev.

Afterward, in May, he indicated that a condition for this would be a request from Kiev or a breakthrough of Russian troops on the front. European countries' caution, he said, would "push Russia into an offensive."

Western countries have stepped up military and financial support for Ukraine amid Russia's special operation to defend Donbass, which was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, 2022, after the situation in the region worsened due to shelling by the Ukrainian military.