Strategic ambiguity: UK and France's tightrope walk over Ukraine crisis

Keir Giles, an expert at the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) in London, suggests in his article on the institute's website that the UK and France must maintain "strategic ambiguity" regarding the potential deployment of troops to Ukraine.

Keir Giles stresses that despite nuclear threats from Vladimir Putin, the UK should stand firm against Russia, as yielding would represent the most detrimental decision.

Giles reminds us that the Kremlin reacted with threats to a statement by the British Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, who declared that Ukraine is entitled to use weapons provided by the United Kingdom for strikes against Russia.

In retaliation, Moscow launched a diplomatic and nuclear show of force: the British ambassador was summoned to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accompanied by declarations of imminent tactical nuclear weapon exercises.

Regrettably, Giles notes, shortly after that, Cameron stated that Britain's aid to Kyiv would now be mainly financial, as the capacity for weapons supplies had reached its limit. Worse still, Cameron ruled out the possibility of deploying Western troops to Ukraine.

The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, has repeatedly cautioned that European forces might need to step in if Ukraine cannot halt Russian aggression. Giles underlines that understanding Russia's interpretation of this message is key because the last scenario Moscow desires is a direct clash with NATO members.

Giles argues that publicly dismissing the chance of Western troops' presence in Ukraine is misguided, regardless of its feasibility for some NATO nations. Such declarations by Western leaders reassure Putin that he can persist in the conflict without dread of repercussions.

Giles advises that European heads should mimic Macron and uphold "strategic ambiguity," meaning they shouldn't disclose what they won't do to adversaries.

In conclusion, Giles questions the extent of Europe's support for Kyiv and whether it should permit Moscow's belligerent warfare to claim more lives.

In an interview with the British weekly "Economist" at the beginning of May, Macron reasserted his position, stating that should the Russians breach the frontline and Kyiv seek assistance, the West should contemplate deploying troops to Ukraine.

The French President first discussed this likelihood in February after a discussion with European country leaders, stressing that overpowering Russia is critical for Europe's security. Macron remarked that the option of Western ground forces in Ukraine in the foreseeable future should remain open.