BRUSSELS, Feb 27 (AP): NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has reiterated the alliance’s stance against deploying combat troops to Ukraine, contradicting a recent suggestion by French President Emmanuel Macron.

Stoltenberg emphasized that while NATO allies provide “unprecedented support” to Ukraine, “there are no plans for NATO combat troops on the ground in Ukraine.” This firm statement comes amidst heightened tensions between Russia and the West over the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Macron, however, had previously floated the idea of a “symbolic” international force being sent to Ukraine. This suggestion sparked concern within the alliance, with several members, including Germany, expressing strong reservations about any proposal that could be interpreted as direct military involvement by NATO.

The Kremlin, the Russian government, has further escalated the situation by issuing a stark warning against any Western troop deployment in Ukraine. They maintain that such a move would lead to a broader conflict, raising fears of a confrontation between NATO and Russia.

It’s crucial to understand that despite NATO’s official stance, the possibility of a future change in policy cannot be entirely ruled out. The evolving nature of the war and the potential for further escalation highlight the complexities surrounding the issue of troop deployment.

For now, NATO continues focusing on providing Ukraine with military support through weapons and training programs. However, the war in Ukraine and the ongoing debate surrounding troop deployment remain significant points of tension and potential conflict in the region.