Emmanuel Macron in Prague: “We must be lucid about the reality of the situation”

The Czech Republic received a visit from Emmanuel Macron this Tuesday, March 5.

Trip devoted largely to Ukraine.

After raising the possibility of sending Western troops, the French president called on Ukraine's allies to “not be cowardly” in the face of a Russia that had become, according to him, “unstoppable”.

Emmanuel Macron fully assumes the “strategic leap” he requested.

Czech President Petr Pavel and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron pass through a guard of honor during a welcome ceremony at Prague Castle, this Tuesday March 5, 2024. AFP - MICHAL CIZEK

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With our special correspondent in Prague,

Charlotte Urien-Tomaka

In his speech to the French community, Emmanuel Macron set the tone: “

We are certainly approaching a moment in our Europe where it will be appropriate not to be cowardly.

We never want to see the dramas that come.

We never want to see what's happening.

And we will have to live up to History, and the courage it implies.

»

The war in Ukraine ultimately emerged as the central theme of this trip, to the point of eclipsing the signing of a multi-billion dollar contract with EDF, with the installation of four nuclear reactors by the French company.

Later in the day, during a press conference with his Czech counterpart Petr Pavel, Emmanuel Macron returned to his criticized comments on sending troops to Ukraine, seeming to accept them: “It is 

a strategic leap to which I called and I fully assume responsibility.

We must be lucid about the reality of the situation playing out in Europe.

»

And the Head of State clarified his thoughts: “

I said what the framework was.

I didn't say there was a consensus, yet.

But I think it was important to do it because we all need to be aware.

» For his part, if Petr Pavel gave his support to the head of state, saying he was “

open to a whole number of possibilities

”, he did not want to commit to the idea of ​​sending ground troops in Ukraine.

Read alsoIn the Czech Republic, Emmanuel Macron calls on Ukraine's allies to “not be cowardly”

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