French President Emmanuel Macron was involved in dialogues with US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and highlighted the significance of working together to create a ‘strong and lasting peace in Ukraine.” He asserted that Russia should stop its hostile actions, alongside assuring Ukraine with strong security assurances.
Macron, in a post on X, said, “After bringing together several European leaders, I have just spoken with President Donald Trump and then with President Zelenskyy. We seek a strong and lasting peace in Ukraine. To achieve this, Russia must end its aggression, and this must be accompanied by strong and credible security guarantees for the Ukrainians. Otherwise, there is a risk that this ceasefire will end up like the Minsk agreements.”
He further wrote, “We will work on this together with all Europeans, Americans, and Ukrainians. This is the key. We are convinced that Europeans must invest better, more, and together in their security and defense both for today and for the future.”
Following discussions with European leaders about Ukraine’s security conditions, Zelenskyy articulated information about his talks with French President Macron. He reiterated the necessity for substantial security assurances for Ukraine, mentioning that insufficient assurance would enable Russian deception and possibility of conflict renewal.
Zelenskyy on X said, “I just had a long conversation with President of France Emmanuel Macron following his meeting today with other European leaders to discuss the global situation, the state of affairs in Europe, and security guarantees for Ukraine.”
He continued, “We share a common vision: security guarantees must be robust and reliable. Any other decision without such guarantees, such as a fragile ceasefire, would only serve as another deception by Russia and a prelude to a new Russian war against Ukraine or other European nations. Emmanuel also briefed me on his talks with other leaders, not just European ones. We agreed to stay in constant contact as major decisions are being made. Ensuring a robust and lasting peace is a must. And that can only be achieved through strong security guarantees.”
European leaders reassured their support for Ukraine on Monday amidst the Russian invasion but offered no further security assurances, specifically as Donald Trump promotes Russian negotiations.
At Paris’s emergency summit conclusion, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hinted at the readiness to deploy British troops alongside others following a permanent peace agreement.
He stressed that American security support remains important to prevent future Russian aggression towards Ukraine.
Starmer announced at the Paris emergency summit, “I am prepared to consider committing British forces on the ground alongside others if there’s a lasting peace agreement. But there must be a US backstop because a US security guarantee is the only way to effectively deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again.”
He concluded his speech stating, “We have to recognise the new era we’re in, not clinging hopelessly to the comforts of the past. It’s time for us to take responsibility for our security, for our continent.”
