President Emmanuel Macron announced that France is entering a “new era” regarding its response to the Ukraine war and plans to urge US President Donald Trump not to be weak towards Vladimir Putin during their upcoming meeting. Macron emphasized the need for Europe to strengthen its security amidst shifting US-Russia relations, labeling Russia as an “existential threat” to Europeans. While he reassured that France would not send troops to Ukraine immediately, he mentioned considering providing security guarantees following a ceasefire. Macron also intends to discuss the situation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Paris:
President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that France is entering a “new era” and intends to inform US President Donald Trump that he cannot afford to “be weak” with Vladimir Putin.
Macron addressed the French people ahead of his upcoming visit to the White House to meet Trump next week, as Europe tries to adapt to the shifting dynamics in the Ukraine conflict.
“I’m going to tell him: ‘You cannot show weakness with President Putin. That’s not who you are, it’s not your trademark, it’s not in your interest,'” Macron stated while responding to questions from the French public on social media.
Trump is scheduled to meet with Macron in Washington on Monday and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday next week, as announced by the White House.
Trump has caused a stir across Europe by expressing his willingness to renew diplomacy with Putin in an effort to end Russia’s ongoing three-year war against Ukraine, sidelining European nations and Kyiv.
In recent days, French officials have indicated the importance of the public understanding the significant threat posed by the Kremlin.
Macron told reporters earlier this week: “Russia poses an existential threat to Europeans.”
On Thursday, the French president remarked that France needs to enhance its security following the jarring shift in US-Russia relations.
“I am convinced that we are entering a new era. It will demand choices from us,” Macron said. “We Europeans must intensify our war efforts.”
Macron emphasized that he does not plan to deploy troops to Ukraine “tomorrow,” but suggested that France is contemplating offering security guarantees to Ukraine following a ceasefire agreement with Russia.
“I have not decided to send troops to Ukraine tomorrow, no,” he clarified.
“What we are considering instead is sending forces to ensure peace once it has been negotiated,” he added.
In a conversation with AFP earlier Thursday, a French source familiar with the talks mentioned that France is collaborating with European nations to provide security guarantees for Ukraine in the scenario of a ceasefire.
Macron also indicated that he aims to talk to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later on Thursday.
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