Keir Giles advocates for UK and France's 'strategic ambiguity' over Ukraine
Keir Giles, an expert at the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) in London, claims in his article on the institute's website that the UK and France must maintain "strategic ambiguity" when potentially sending troops to Ukraine.
Keir Giles emphasizes that despite Vladimir Putin's nuclear threats, the UK should not give in to Russia, as it would be the worst possible choice.
Russia's panic reaction
Giles recalls that the Kremlin responded with threats to a statement by the British Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, who said that Ukraine has the right to use weapons supplied by the United Kingdom for attacks on Russia.
In response to these words, Moscow organized a diplomatic and nuclear spectacle: the British ambassador was summoned to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and there were also announcements of conducting manoeuvres with the use of tactical nuclear weapons shortly.
Unfortunately, as Giles notes, shortly after these events, Cameron announced that Britain's aid to Kyiv will now primarily consist of financial support, as the capabilities of supplying weapons have been exhausted. What's worse, Cameron excluded the possibility of sending Western troops to Ukraine.
Macron's words
The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, has repeatedly warned that European forces might be forced to intervene in Ukraine if this country is unable to stop Russian aggression. Giles emphasizes that Russia's understanding of this message is fundamental because the last thing Moscow wants is an open confrontation with NATO countries.
Giles points out that publicly excluding the presence of Western troops in Ukraine makes no sense, regardless of whether such a proposal is realistic for some NATO countries. When Western politicians act in this way, they assure Putin that he can continue the war without fear of its consequences.
Giles suggests that European leaders should emulate Macron and maintain "strategic ambiguity," meaning they should not tell the enemy what they won't do.
In summary, Giles questions how far Europe should go in supporting Kyiv and whether it should allow Moscow's aggressive war to take more victims.
In an interview with the British weekly "Economist" at the beginning of May, Macron reiterated his stance, saying that if the Russians broke through the front line and Kyiv asked for help, the West should consider sending troops to Ukraine.
The French President first mentioned this possibility in February, declaring after a meeting with the heads of state and the governments of European countries that defeating Russia is essential for ensuring security in Europe. Macron added that the possibility of sending Western ground troops to Ukraine should not be ruled out.
