Russia Says Europe Will Be Dragged Into Military Conflict If Ukraine Joins NATO
By Donald Standeford, Correspondent - Follow -
Date Published: February 8, 2022 02:30PM UTC
Last Modified: February 8, 2022 02:30PM UTC
MOSCOW - French President Macron traveled to Russia for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, after which Macron stated that he is sure he will get some results, even if it's not easy to secure. While Putin suggested that some of Macron's proposals could lead to 'further joint steps' to defuse tensions, he warned repeatedly that if Ukraine joins NATO, or attempts to take Crimea back it will draw Europe into a military conflict with Russia.
"The next few days will be decisive and will require intensive discussions which we will pursue together" Macron told reporters, while Putin stated "A number of his ideas, proposals, which are probably still too early to talk about, I think it is quite possible to make the basis of our further joint steps".
Although Russia insists that they do not plan an invasion on Ukraine, he stated that "If Ukraine joins NATO and tries to get Crimea back by military means, European countries will automatically be drawn into military conflict with Russia". He then emphasized, "There will be no winners."
Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson said "we are witnessing the biggest military build-up in Europe since the Cold War" but said that Britain will not "flinch" with its support to Europe and NATO both "unconditional and immovable".
In The Times Boris stated "If he launches another invasion, he will force the West to bring about much of what he seeks to prevent. We are considering deploying RAF Typhoon fighters and Royal Navy warships to protect southeastern Europe. And HMS Prince of Wales, our newest aircraft carrier, is now the command ship of NATO's Maritime High Readiness Force".
While Putin stated that a number of Macron's proposals "are possible as a basis for further steps" and said "we will do everything to find compromises that suit everyone" which the media jumped on as saying that Putin was ready to agree to compromises, Russian news RIA Novosti reported that Peskov reportedly denied the 'deal' between Putin and Macron saying that Moscow and Paris could not do this, the leadership of NATO does not belong to France.
At the same time, Macron stated that "President Putin assured me of his readiness to engage. There is no security for the Europeans if there is no security for Russia."
While talking to reporters later on, Putin reiterated earlier warnings that if Ukraine joins NATO or attempts to take back Crimea that had been annexed by Russia in 2014 then Europe would get sucked into a major conflict. While speaking to French reporters he stated "Do you want France to fight with Russia? That's what will happen. And there will be no winners".
