‘We will work on this together’: French President Emmanuel Macron holds call with Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss Ukraine peace
French President Emmanuel Macron engaged in talks with US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and stressed on the importance of working together to establish ‘strong and lasting peace in Ukraine.’
He insisted that Russia cease its hostile actions, alongside providing Ukraine with robust security assurances.
Macron took to X and said, “After bringing together several European leaders, I have just spoken with President @realDonaldTrump and then with President @ZelenskyyUa. 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 continued, “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 situation, Zelenskyy conveyed details of his dialogue with French President Macron. He reinforced the need for substantial security assurances for Ukraine, noting that inadequate guarantees would enable Russian deception and potential conflict renewal.
Zelenskyy posted on X, “I just had a long conversation with President of France @EmmanuelMacron 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 further stated, “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 affirmed their support for Ukraine on Monday amidst Russian invasion, yet offered no additional security assurances, particularly as Donald Trump advocates for Russian negotiations, according to Euro News.
At Paris’s emergency summit conclusion, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicated readiness to deploy British forces alongside others following a permanent peace agreement.
He emphasised that American security backing remains crucial to prevent future Russian aggression towards Ukraine.
“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,” Starmer declared at the Paris emergency summit’s end.
“We have to recognise the new era we’re in, not cling hopelessly to the comforts of the past. It’s time for us to take responsibility for our security, for our continent,” he concluded.
