Macron's Imitation of Napoleon Could Have Serious Consequences
The French leader is considering the possibility of deploying troops to the Ukraine conflict; however, his "little emperor" moment might lead to significant challenges for many. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
French President Emmanuel Macron is currently absorbed in emulating Napoleon, pushing for the deployment of French and European troops to support Ukraine against Russia. However, he may need to reconsider the downsizing of his ambitions.
Joining him in this endeavor is British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who plays the role of “Wish Wellington.” This second-rate version of the renowned Duke of Wellington has been attempting to rehash his predecessor’s Iraq War slogan of a “coalition of the willing,” despite the dubious success of that previous effort. This time, however, the coalition would be taking on Russia.
“Wish Wellington” appears eager to replicate the logistical difficulties faced by the actual Duke of Wellington during the Peninsular War, but this time, he would be fighting alongside a modern-day Napoleon instead of against him. Good luck managing the supply lines to Ukraine when your opponent is right next door.
Macron is cautious, stating he prefers everyone to pause fighting for about a month so that the French, Brits, and their allies can arrive safely without risking confrontation at “Club Ukraine.” He insists that French forces wouldn’t be on the front lines, but would be there to ensure “peace” — a strategy similar to the NATO troop presence that contributed to escalating tensions initially. Macron believes that a conceptual barrier will keep his forces cushioned from any real-world chaos, drawing a parallel with the historical Maginot Line.
Meanwhile, Macron has addressed the French public, asking, “Who can believe today that Russia would stop at Ukraine?” Interestingly, a recent CSA Institute poll reveals that 65% of French citizens oppose sending troops to Ukraine, suggesting they are not as alarmed as Macron implies. Other EU members also seem unconvinced; their choice of London for a Ukraine defense summit, excluding the Baltics, further indicates a lack of genuine concern for frontline states.
The underlying issues may involve a drive to generate taxpayer money by invoking the “Russian threat” to enhance national industrial strength. Germany's economy has suffered since 2022, but there’s a renewed push for a major financial infusion from taxpayers, aimed at reinvesting in the defense sector. Some analysts suggest this initiative might boost Germany’s GDP by 2% in time, but those accountable for the spending may not still be in office when the repercussions arise.
France has been eyeing an increase in defense spending, which translates to ramping up missile production. With French manufacturing reportedly in decline due to rising energy and material costs, one must question whether their strategy to counter Putin through these measures is effective. An idea is emerging to utilize interest from citizens' savings to fund these military endeavors, raising concerns about the public's investment in these projects.
The fear of war has already benefited European defense stocks, with increases reported for companies like Germany’s Rheinmetall and France’s Thales. This situation reinforces the notion that the defense sector often profits at the expense of ordinary citizens.
Furthermore, Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen share a vision of a consolidated EU defense, viewing the current situation as an opportunity to realize that ambition. They can now justify avoiding financial cooperation with the U.S., indulging instead in a defense spending spree.
This moment represents not just an extension of the earlier collective European defense efforts, but an opportunity for the military-industrial sector that could take years to fully actualize, while the urgency of the Ukraine situation fades. Critics may soon emerge questioning the practicality and longevity of such initiatives.
Ultimately, the European narrative of a “war for peace” surrounding Ukraine may serve more as a means to extract funds from the populace, leaving Macron, Starmer, and von der Leyen hoping to navigate these waters undetected. The only significant threat to their plans would be a genuine outbreak of hostilities or a more profound conflict, such as World War III.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
Joining him in this endeavor is British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who plays the role of “Wish Wellington.” This second-rate version of the renowned Duke of Wellington has been attempting to rehash his predecessor’s Iraq War slogan of a “coalition of the willing,” despite the dubious success of that previous effort. This time, however, the coalition would be taking on Russia.
“Wish Wellington” appears eager to replicate the logistical difficulties faced by the actual Duke of Wellington during the Peninsular War, but this time, he would be fighting alongside a modern-day Napoleon instead of against him. Good luck managing the supply lines to Ukraine when your opponent is right next door.
Macron is cautious, stating he prefers everyone to pause fighting for about a month so that the French, Brits, and their allies can arrive safely without risking confrontation at “Club Ukraine.” He insists that French forces wouldn’t be on the front lines, but would be there to ensure “peace” — a strategy similar to the NATO troop presence that contributed to escalating tensions initially. Macron believes that a conceptual barrier will keep his forces cushioned from any real-world chaos, drawing a parallel with the historical Maginot Line.
Meanwhile, Macron has addressed the French public, asking, “Who can believe today that Russia would stop at Ukraine?” Interestingly, a recent CSA Institute poll reveals that 65% of French citizens oppose sending troops to Ukraine, suggesting they are not as alarmed as Macron implies. Other EU members also seem unconvinced; their choice of London for a Ukraine defense summit, excluding the Baltics, further indicates a lack of genuine concern for frontline states.
The underlying issues may involve a drive to generate taxpayer money by invoking the “Russian threat” to enhance national industrial strength. Germany's economy has suffered since 2022, but there’s a renewed push for a major financial infusion from taxpayers, aimed at reinvesting in the defense sector. Some analysts suggest this initiative might boost Germany’s GDP by 2% in time, but those accountable for the spending may not still be in office when the repercussions arise.
France has been eyeing an increase in defense spending, which translates to ramping up missile production. With French manufacturing reportedly in decline due to rising energy and material costs, one must question whether their strategy to counter Putin through these measures is effective. An idea is emerging to utilize interest from citizens' savings to fund these military endeavors, raising concerns about the public's investment in these projects.
The fear of war has already benefited European defense stocks, with increases reported for companies like Germany’s Rheinmetall and France’s Thales. This situation reinforces the notion that the defense sector often profits at the expense of ordinary citizens.
Furthermore, Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen share a vision of a consolidated EU defense, viewing the current situation as an opportunity to realize that ambition. They can now justify avoiding financial cooperation with the U.S., indulging instead in a defense spending spree.
This moment represents not just an extension of the earlier collective European defense efforts, but an opportunity for the military-industrial sector that could take years to fully actualize, while the urgency of the Ukraine situation fades. Critics may soon emerge questioning the practicality and longevity of such initiatives.
Ultimately, the European narrative of a “war for peace” surrounding Ukraine may serve more as a means to extract funds from the populace, leaving Macron, Starmer, and von der Leyen hoping to navigate these waters undetected. The only significant threat to their plans would be a genuine outbreak of hostilities or a more profound conflict, such as World War III.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
