In a geopolitical context under tension, Emmanuel Macron went up to the niche. While Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are preparing a meeting at the top to negotiate peace in Ukraine, the French president reaffirmed the firmness and unity of European allies and NATO against Russia on Wednesday.
After a first mini-summit on Monday at the Elysée gathering seven European countries, Emmanuel Macron continued his consultations on Wednesday by organizing a videoconferencing with 19 heads of state and government, including EU and NATO members as Canada, Norway and Iceland. “The position of France and its partners is clear and united. We wish a peace in Ukraine that is sustainable and solid, ”he insisted on X after the meeting.
Several member states absent from the meeting
If the majority of leaders participated at a distance, only the Romanian president on the other hand Ilie Bolojan and the Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden were physically present. Some states, such as Hungary and Slovakia, with the prorusian positions assumed, as well as Austria and Malta, have not taken part in the discussions.
The urgency of the moment is palpable. “There has been a very strong convergence to say that Russia constitutes an existential threat to Europeans,” insisted Emmanuel Macron in an interview with the regional press. This declaration arises as the return to power of Donald Trump upsets diplomatic balances. The American president intends to negotiate alone with Vladimir Putin, to the chagrin of Ukraine and his allies.
France denounces Trump’s words
Paris was quick to react to the polemical remarks of Donald Trump, who seemed to accuse Volodymyr Zelensky of having caused war. France has denounced “inexpensive” statements and recalled that any negotiation should include kyiv and guarantee the security of Europeans. “We share the goal of President Donald Trump to end the war of aggression led by Russia for almost three years,” said Emmanuel Macron, while emphasizing the necessary involvement of Ukraine in the process .
But beyond diplomatic discussions, the time is also for the remobilization of European military capacities. Aware of the need to strengthen collective defense, several countries are moving towards an increase in their military budget. “We are convinced of the need to increase our expenses and our defense and security capacities for Europe and each of our countries. Decisions will be made in the days and weeks to come, ”said Emmanuel Macron on X.
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(Tagstotranslate) War in Ukraine