Ground Troop Deployment

Military Options

In a display of support for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression, French President Emmanuel Macron has shifted his stance regarding the potential deployment of ground troops by France. Following the conclusion of the Ukraine aid conference in Paris on Monday night, Macron asserted that all options remain on the table as the conflict progresses.

No Victory for Russia

Despite the absence of unanimous agreement among the gathering of over 20 heads of state and government, Macron emphasized the fluidity of the situation, stating, “We will do everything necessary to ensure that Russia cannot achieve victory in this conflict.”

Military Strategy

Macron astutely observed a common trend among skeptics, noting that those who currently oppose certain actions were once adamant against other military interventions. The dialogue has evolved, with a focus now on enhancing the rapid deployment of armored units and missiles. Therefore, Macron affirmed, any strategic measure deemed beneficial to their shared objectives remains viable, allowing each nation to autonomously determine its course of action.

Strategic Implications

The decision by the Russian leadership to permit the release of Alexei Navalny’s remains to his family carries strategic implications. Despite the potential risk of Western laboratories uncovering evidence of poisoning, the leadership perceives the move as advantageous. If traces of poison are detected, it reinforces Russia’s uncompromising stance against dissenters, serving as a deterrent to potential collaborators with foreign entities. Conversely, the absence of detectable toxins would validate Russia’s claims regarding the sophistication of their chemical agents, bolstering their capability for clandestine operations.

Kremlin’s Scapegoating

Additionally, internal discord within the ranks of the “Politburo 2.0” regarding Navalny’s fate influenced the decision to transfer his body to his relatives. The demand for a dignified approach from Nikolai Patrushev, the Security Council Secretary, exerted pressure on the leadership, independent of external influences. Notably, the Kremlin’s narrative regarding an alleged thwarted assassination plot targeting Tucker Carlson, orchestrated by Ukrainian Intelligence, reflects a persistent scapegoating tactic. However, the incredulous nature of the alleged plot, involving a meager sum for a purported Hollywood-style operation, invites skepticism akin to fictional narratives.

Timing Concerns

Meanwhile, as preparations ensue for Putin’s address to the Federal Assembly on February 29th, a stand-in struggles to internalize the speech due to advancing age. Despite superstitions surrounding the date, the decision remains unchallenged, attributing any potential mishaps during the address to the purportedly “inauspicious” timing.