Trump creates window of opportunity, now only Zelenskyy can negotiate peace - Macron
Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: president.gov.ua)
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that only his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, can negotiate on behalf of his country with Russia to end the war. US President Donald Trump has already made efforts toward this, according to the Financial Times.
In an interview with journalists from the American newspaper at the Élysée Palace, Macron expressed the view that Trump has created a window of opportunity to end Russia's large-scale military aggression against Ukraine through negotiations, where everyone has to play their part.
The French leader added that now Zelenskyy must discuss territorial issues and sovereignty matters.
Macron also warned that peace that is capitulation would be bad news for everyone, including the US.
According to the French president, the only question at this stage is whether Russian President Vladimir Putin genuinely, sustainably, and credibly willing to agree to a ceasefire on this basis. Macron emphasized that after that it’s up to the Ukrainians to negotiate with Russia.
Speaking about security guarantees for Ukraine, the French president noted that the international community, with a specific role for the Europeans, to discuss security guarantees and, more broadly, the security framework for the entire region.
"That is where we have a role to play," Macron added.
The French president also referred to Trump's potential return to the White House as an electroshock that should compel Europe to secure its future, as well as Ukraine's future.
Macron reiterated his belief that Europe must strengthen its defense capabilities so that it can act independently, even without US involvement.
"We must also develop a fully integrated European defence, industrial and technological base," he emphasized.
Trump "puts" Ukraine at the negotiating table with Russia amid uncertainty over the details of the "agreement.
On February 12, US President Trump held phone conversations with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Russian President Putin to discuss the possibility of achieving peace and ending the Russo-Ukrainian war. The American leader also instructed US officials to begin relevant negotiations.
These calls came shortly after US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told Western allies in Brussels that Ukraine's return to its pre-2014 borders was unrealistic and that the US did not see Ukraine's NATO membership as part of the peace resolution.
On Thursday, speaking to journalists at the White House, Trump stated that Ukraine would have a seat at the table for negotiations with Russia to end the war.
Trump also announced a meeting between Ukrainian, Russian, and US officials for talks in Munich during the annual security conference. He later added that Ukrainian, Russian, and American officials might meet in Saudi Arabia next week.
Ukrainian President’s Communications Advisor, Dmytro Lytvyn, reacted to Trump’s announcement, stating that Ukraine must first speak with the US, and Europe should be involved in any serious discussion aimed at achieving true peace. Only a unified joint position should be on the table for talks with the Russians.
"There are no meetings with the Russians at an empty table. At the moment, there is nothing on the table. Talks with the Russians in Munich are not planned," he emphasized.
