The topic of sending troops to Ukraine has shifted from being marginal to mainstream — Leonov

The debate in Europe has undergone a significant transformation, with the topic of sending troops to Ukraine transitioning from absolute marginality to mainstream discourse.

This was stated by Oleksandr Leonov, Executive Director of the Penta Centre for Applied Political Studies, during an interview on Hromadske Radio.

«We can observe a notable shift in the European discussion landscape, where leaders of states are now engaging in conversations regarding the deployment of troops. Emmanuel Macron, for instance, has begun discussing specific areas where troops could potentially be stationed. This shift is crucial as it enhances Ukraine’s role within Europe. There is no longer a question of whether to aid Ukraine; rather, the discussion now revolves around the deployment of troops», — Leonov explained.

It’s worth noting that French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly mentioned during a private meeting on February 21st, as cited by the French newspaper Le Monde, his intention to send troops to Odesa. At that time, Macron had recognized the deteriorating situation in Ukraine and the prolonged nature of the conflict.