French President Emmanuel Macron said that only his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky can negotiate on behalf of his country with Russia to end the war. US President Donald Trump has already made efforts to do so. This is reported by Financial Times.
In a conversation with journalists from an American newspaper at the Elysee Palace, Macron expressed the opinion that Trump had created a "window of opportunity" to stop Russia's large-scale military aggression against Ukraine through negotiations, where "everyone must play their role."
The French leader added that Zelenskyy should now discuss territorial and sovereignty issues.
Macron also warned that "peace that is a surrender would be 'bad news for everyone,' including the United States."
According to the French president, “the only question at this stage” is whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is really "firmly and credibly willing to agree to a ceasefire on this basis." Macron also emphasized that after this, "Ukrainians should negotiate with Russia."
Speaking about security guarantees for Ukraine, the French president noted that "The international community, with a special role for Europeans, should discuss security guarantees and, more broadly, a security framework for the entire region."
"This is where we have to play our part," Macron added.
The French president also called Trump's return to the White House an "electric shock" that should force Europe to secure its own future, as well as the future of Ukraine.
Macron reiterated his view that Europe must build up its defense capabilities so that it can act even without US involvement.
"We must also develop a fully integrated European defense, industrial and technological base," he is convinced.
Trump is "putting" Ukraine at the negotiating table with Russia amid uncertainty about the details of the "deal."
Thank you for being with us! Monobank for the support of the ElitExpert editorial office.
