Macron says France, allies 'united' on Ukraine
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French President Macron says that France and its allies agree that any deal to end the war must consider Ukraine's rights and European security concerns, ahead of his Washington visit.
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France's President Emmanuel Macron waits for Romania's Interim President Ilie Boloja, before a meeting on European security, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, at the Elysee Palace in Paris. (AP)
President Emmanuel Macron stated on Wednesday that France and its allies agreed that any deal to end the war in Ukraine must consider the latter's rights and European security concerns.
His remarks come ahead of his visit to Washington next week.
"The position of France and its allies is clear and united. We wish for peace in Ukraine that is lasting," Macron said on X after a meeting with the leaders of 19 mostly European countries, most of which took part by video link.
US President Donald Trump has shocked the European Union by declaring his willingness to restart diplomatic talks with Vladimir Putin after three years of the war in Ukraine, bypassing both European nations and Kiev.
On Wednesday afternoon, Macron convened a meeting on Ukraine to coordinate a European response to what he has described as an "existential threat" from Russia following the unexpected shift in US policy.
After the video conference, Macron said, "We stand by Ukraine and will carry out all our responsibilities to ensure peace and security in Europe." However, he noted that the participants, including leaders from EU nations, Iceland, Norway, and Canada, emphasized that Ukraine should be included in the process and that "its rights [should be] respected."
He emphasized the need for "robust and credible guarantees" to secure a lasting agreement, while also ensuring that "European security concerns" are addressed.
"We are convinced of the need to increase our defense and security spending and capacities for Europe and each of our countries."
Trump-Macron meeting
Macron is set to meet Trump in Washington as early as Monday, Trump told reporters aboard his plane on Wednesday.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said he will meet US envoy Keith Kellogg on Thursday and that he hopes for "constructive" work with the United States after Trump lashed out against him on social media.
Notably, on Wednesday, Trump referred to Zelensky as a "dictator," just a day after accusing Kiev of having "started" the war. His remarks prompted backlash, even from some members of his own Republican Party.
Macron holds talks with US, Ukrainian counterparts
After the French president spoke with Trump and Zelensky on February 18 to discuss durable peace in Ukraine, Macron posted on X, "After bringing together several European leaders, I have just spoken with President Donald Trump and then with President Zelensky. We seek a strong and lasting peace in Ukraine."
After bringing together several European leaders, I have just spoken with President @realDonaldTrump and then with President @ZelenskyyUa.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) February 17, 2025
We seek a strong and lasting peace in Ukraine. To achieve this, Russia must end its aggression, and this must be accompanied by strong…
The French president stated that Europe, the United States, and Ukraine are collaborating to secure lasting peace in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for "strong and credible" security guarantees for Kiev.
