French President Emmanuel Macron held discussions with US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasizing the importance of achieving a strong and lasting peace in Ukraine.
Macron stressed that Russia must end its aggression and that Ukraine must receive “strong and credible” security guarantees to prevent a repeat of failed ceasefire agreements.
Sharing a post on X, Macron wrote, “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 added, “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.”
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy also shared details of his conversation with Macron, following discussions with European leaders about Ukraine’s security situation. He reiterated the need for robust security guarantees, warning that a fragile ceasefire could allow Russia to regroup and escalate the conflict in the future.
In a post on X, Zelenskyy stated, “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 emphasized, “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.”
Meanwhile, European leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion but did not announce any new security guarantees. According to Euro News, former US President Donald Trump has been advocating for negotiations with Russia, adding complexity to the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
At the conclusion of an emergency summit in Paris, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his willingness to deploy British forces on the ground alongside other nations if a lasting peace agreement is reached. However, he emphasized the necessity of a US security guarantee to effectively deter further Russian aggression.
“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 said at the end of the summit.
“We have to recognize 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 added.