Macron urges Ukraine to adopt realistic stance on territorial disputes
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The French President says Europe must take responsibility for establishing security guarantees, while the US should focus on bringing Russia to the negotiating table.
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French President Emmanuel Macron leaves after inaugurating the WHO Academy campus which promotes lifelong learning across the health sector, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, in Lyon, central France. (AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday suggested that Ukraine should adopt a pragmatic approach to territorial issues as part of efforts to open negotiations with Russia.
Speaking at an annual conference for French ambassadors, Macron outlined his foreign policy strategy and addressed the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
"The Ukrainians need to hold a realistic discussion on the territorial questions and only they can do that, and the Europeans are counting on building security guarantees that will be their responsibility," Macron stated.
This marks the first time Macron has implied that Kiev may need to consider a position beyond reclaiming all territories controlled by Russia.
Read more: Russia captures LPR village, eliminates 100s of Ukrainian troops: MoD
Since launching its special military operation in February 2022, Russia has gained control over 20% of Ukraine, including large portions of the eastern Donbass region.
Moscow had already annexed Crimea in 2014, making territorial issues a central sticking point in any potential negotiations.
Call for international efforts
Macron stated that Europe must take responsibility for establishing security guarantees while the US should focus on bringing Russia to the negotiating table.
However, he stressed that any resolution must involve direct participation from Ukraine and its European allies.
"The United States' role should be to convince Russia to come to the negotiation table," Macron said, underlining the need for a balanced international effort.
Despite this, Macron reaffirmed the importance of continued support for Ukraine, asserting that allies must ensure Kiev enters any talks from a position of strength. However, he did not announce any new commitments to aid Ukraine during his speech.
Read more: Trump's Ukraine envoy proposes cutting weapons to force peace talks
Macron tempered expectations for a swift resolution, indirectly responding to US President-elect Donald Trump's claim that he could quickly end the war.
"There will not be a quick and easy solution," Macron said, reflecting on the complexities of the conflict and the negotiations required to resolve it.
