Macron stresses Ukraine's future can't be decided without its people

Macron said he had another conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He also spoke with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

"We remain determined to support Ukraine, working in a spirit of unity and building on the work undertaken within the framework of the Coalition of the Willing. Ukraine’s future cannot be decided without the Ukrainians, who have been fighting for their freedom and security for over three years now," Macron wrote.

The French President added that Europeans will also take part in resolving the issue, as their security depends on it.

"I will continue to coordinate closely with President Zelensky and our European partners," Macron concluded.

Background

Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced overnight that he will meet Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin on August 15 in Alaska. Ukraine will clearly be among the topics discussed.

Hours before, Trump said a territory swap between Ukraine and Russia was possible.

Media reported that during a meeting with Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, Putin said he would agree to a full ceasefire if Ukraine withdraws its forces from the Donetsk region.

However, according to Bild, Witkoff misunderstood Putin. The withdrawal also concerns Ukrainian troops in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. Witkoff interpreted this as a Russian troop withdrawal.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Putin may issue an ultimatum during the meeting with Trump. It could involve recognizing occupied territories in exchange for Russian troop withdrawal from other areas. If Ukraine and Europe reject the plan, it may benefit Putin, as Trump might blame Ukraine for prolonging the war.

Also, a meeting is taking place today or has taken place in the UK. Representatives from Britain, Europe, Ukraine, and the US are coordinating positions ahead of the Trump-Putin summit.