In a prime-time address to France, President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for Europe to be prepared to defend Ukraine on its own, without reliance on the United States under the Trump administration. Macron highlighted the ongoing Russian threat and the importance of investing in defense and military capabilities to deter attacks and protect the security of European nations and Ukraine. He stated that abandoning Ukraine is not an option and called for concrete actions to ensure peace in the region.
Macron mentioned British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s idea of potentially putting boots on the ground in Ukraine if necessary to guarantee peace, but emphasized that this would only occur after a peace agreement is signed. He also expressed appreciation for the joint efforts with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy towards achieving a lasting and just peace in the region. Macron and Starmer are working to mend American-Ukraine ties following a recent clash between Zelenskyy, President Trump, and Vice President JD Vance.
Despite recent tensions and uncertainties, there have been signals of progress, including Trump’s acknowledgment of Zelenskyy’s desire for peace and support. The challenge now is to secure a peace agreement that includes strong security guarantees for Ukraine to prevent further Russian aggression. Zelenskyy has indicated a willingness to explore a minerals deal with the U.S. as a step towards these guarantees, while also being cautious about the potential consequences of a ceasefire without adequate protection against Russian violations. The focus remains on achieving a lasting and reliable peace for Ukraine, Europe, and the world.
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