Title: Macron Urges Realistic Territorial Talks as Ukraine Seeks End to Conflict
French President Emmanuel Macron has advised Ukraine to initiate realistic discussions on territorial issues, suggesting that this approach could help resolve the conflict sparked by the 2022 Russian invasion. Macron shared these views during the annual meeting of French ambassadors, outlining his key foreign policy priorities.
Macron emphasized that only Ukrainians could lead these discussions, stating, "They are the ones who can lead them to find a solution." He also stressed the importance of international support, specifically from the United States and Europe. Macron stated that the U.S. should help alter the situation and persuade Russia to engage in talks, while Europeans should focus on constructing security guarantees for Ukraine.
The French president warned against expecting a swift resolution to the conflict, contrasting this with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s previous 24-hour war claims. He also stated that a Ukrainian surrender would not be beneficial for either Europe or the United States.
Macron further contended that Western trust would be undermined if it compromised due to fatigue from the ongoing conflict. This stance aligns with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky‘s position, who has asserted that the first peace talks will occur with U.S. President Donald Trump following his inauguration, potentially followed by discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Earlier, Salkyia’s President Peter Pellegrini had echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that Moscow and Kyiv should engage in peace talks, with Ukraine potentially making territorial concessions to achieve peace.
