06.03.2025 08:00
French President Macron reacted to the United States withdrawing military support from Ukraine, which is at war with Russia, and excluding Europe from negotiations. Stating that "the future of Europe is not in Washington or Moscow," Macron reminded that France is the only country in the European Union with nuclear capabilities and indicated that he would propose to leaders ways to protect Europe with French nuclear deterrence.
The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, delivered a speech to the public regarding the war in Ukraine and its implications for Europe. In his statement, Macron emphasized the need for autonomy in defense and security during a time when the U.S. and Russia are increasing their contacts regarding peace in Ukraine, and European countries fear being left out of the negotiations.
Macron noted that geopolitical developments around the world have made security and prosperity more uncertain, stating, "Given the historical events we are experiencing today, it is understandable that you are worried. The U.S. has changed its stance on the war in Ukraine. The same U.S. is expecting to impose tariffs on Europe."
"WHO CAN BELIEVE THAT RUSSIA WILL BE CONTENT WITH UKRAINE?"
Macron continued by stating that they have been supporting Ukrainians and imposing sanctions on Russia since the beginning of the war in Ukraine:
"Beyond Ukraine, the Russian threat is here and affecting European countries, and it affects us too. Russia has already turned the war in Ukraine into a global conflict. It has mobilized North Korean soldiers and Iranian-made equipment on our continent and has also helped these countries to arm themselves further."
Macron expressed that the war in Ukraine has once again confirmed the existence of the Russian threat to Europe's security, stating that Russia continues its cyberattacks and is trying to influence public opinion in Europe by spreading misinformation on social media.
Emphasizing that Russia plans to further expand its army with more than 40 billion euros in spending by 2030, including 3,000 tanks and 300 fighter jets, Macron highlighted that this country continues to pose a threat to Europe's security, asking, "Who can believe that Russia will be content with Ukraine?"
"PEACE CANNOT BE ACHIEVED AT ANY COST OR THROUGH DICTATORIAL IMPOSITIONS"
Macron stated, "The path to peace does not go through abandoning Ukraine. On the contrary, peace cannot be achieved at any cost or through the impositions of a dictatorial regime. Peace does not mean Ukraine's surrender or collapse."
He mentioned that they have prepared a "solid, lasting, and verifiable peace plan" with European partners and defended this plan during his visit to the U.S. two weeks ago, saying, "I want to believe that the U.S. will stand by us on Ukraine, but we also need to be prepared for every situation."
Macron reiterated that regardless of the establishment of peace in Ukraine, Europe's defense and deterrence capacity must be increased, stating, "In this context, we continue to adhere to NATO and our partnership with the U.S., but we need to do more. We must strengthen our independence in defense and security. The future of Europe should be determined in Europe, not in Washington or Moscow."
"NUCLEAR DETERRENCE IS ON THE AGENDA"
Macron stated that France has a "special status" in the security of Europe, possessing "the most effective army" and nuclear deterrence capacity, announcing that the budget allocated to the army will be doubled within ten years.
He indicated that important steps will be taken at the summit in Brussels tomorrow, where 27 heads of state and government and EU representatives will participate, announcing that "joint financing" for the procurement of defense equipment such as tanks and fighter jets in Europe will be agreed upon.
Macron said, "In the name of maintaining peace and security in Europe and in response to the historical call of the future German Chancellor, I have decided to open the strategic discussion on protecting allies on the European continent with France's nuclear deterrence."
THE DISCUSSION IN THE OVAL OFFICE PUT UKRAINE AT THE TOP OF THE AGENDA
Following the discussion in the Oval Office between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the U.S. temporarily halted intelligence support and military shipments to this country.
Trump and Zelensky had argued in front of cameras during their meeting in the Oval Office on February 28. The announced joint press conference was canceled, Zelensky left the White House alone, and the rare earth elements agreement was not signed.
Trump claimed that Zelensky "disrespected the American people," while Zelensky stated that he had not done anything wrong to apologize for.
This discussion placed peace negotiations in Ukraine at the top of the agenda for European leaders, who gathered in London, hosted by the UK, for a security summit on Ukraine.
After the summit, France and the UK announced that they had agreed with Ukraine to work on a ceasefire plan and that they would negotiate and advance the plan with the U.S. later.
A summit on Ukraine is also planned to be held tomorrow in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, with the participation of leaders from 27 countries.