Emmanuel Macron has urged Nato not to be “cowards” after discussing the prospect of sending troops to Ukraine.
The French President told expats in Prague on Tuesday that it was time for Kyiv’s allies to step up.
He claimed Europe was approaching a moment “in which it will be necessary not to be cowards”.
The 46-year-old appeared to stand by his argument, claiming a “strategic leap” was necessary.
French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a press conference with Czech Republic's Prime Minister
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Macron’s comments come after Paris faced a backlash from many Western allies after first raising the scenario at a conference on February 26.
Most of France’s allies appeared to distance themselves from Macron’s remarks.
However, officials in Paris also insisted any such forces could be sent to back operations such as demining rather than fighting Russian forces.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said: “We don't need really, from my perspective at least, discussions about boots on the ground or having more courage or less courage.”
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Polish soldiers hold a Nato flag during a family photo after a training demonstration
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He added: “This is something which does not really help solve the issues we have when it comes to helping Ukraine.”
Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson also stressed it was important to maintain "unity" when it came to supporting Kyiv.
Jonson and Pistorius met in the Nordic country as Germany and Sweden signed a letter of intent to strengthen military cooperation.
Macron’s comments and Nato’s decision to expand to Scandinavia also enraged the Kremlin.
Ramping up the rhetoric about Russia's deteriorating relations with the West, Putin suggested Western politicians recall the fate of previous figures who unsuccessfully invaded his nation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin fired back against Emmanuel Macron and Nato
REUTERSHe said: "But now the consequences will be far more tragic. They think it (war) is a cartoon."
Putin added: "They, Nato and America, are active in other parts of the world, of course, and they continue to lie there, to deceive.
"They are preparing to strike our territory and, using the best possible forces, the most effective forces to do so.
"But we remember the fate of those who try to invade our territory and of course their fate will be much more tragic than anything we could face."
