French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that only Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has the authority to negotiate peace with Russia, warning that a peace deal based on capitulation would have negative consequences for all parties, including the United States.
Speaking on Thursday, Macron emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin must first demonstrate a credible and lasting commitment to a ceasefire before negotiations can take place.
“The only question at this stage is whether President Putin is genuinely, sustainably, and credibly willing to agree to a ceasefire on this basis. After that, it’s up to the Ukrainians to negotiate with Russia,” Macron said.
His remarks follow a call between former U.S. President Donald Trump and both Putin and Zelenskiy, during which Trump urged U.S. officials to initiate peace talks to end the nearly three-year-long war.
The phone conversation came after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Ukraine’s allies in Brussels that returning to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders, before Russia annexed Crimea, was unrealistic. Hegseth also downplayed NATO membership for Ukraine as part of a possible resolution.
Following Trump’s discussions, some Ukrainians expressed concerns that he might be preparing to compromise their country’s position. However, Trump reassured reporters that Ukraine would have a role in any negotiations.
Macron welcomed Trump’s diplomatic efforts, calling them a “window of opportunity” but stressed that Europe must take an active role in shaping the region’s security framework. He described Trump’s return as an “electroshock” that should push Europe to secure its own future alongside Ukraine.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
