French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed cautious optimism about U.S. President Donald Trump's peace plan for Ukraine, acknowledging its potential but stressing that key aspects need further negotiation to make it acceptable for Ukraine and Europe.
"It's an initiative that goes in the right direction: peace. However, there are aspects of that plan that deserve to be discussed, negotiated, improved," Macron stated. "We want peace, but we don’t want a peace that would be a capitulation."
This statement follows increasing concern over the proposed plan, which includes territorial concessions to Russia and limitations on Ukraine's military capabilities. Macron’s comments suggest that while the U.S. peace initiative offers a framework, it does not yet fully address the sovereignty and security concerns of Ukraine, which must play a central role in the peace process.
Ukrainian sovereignty and security guarantees
Macron emphasized that Ukrainians must determine which territorial compromises, if any, they are willing to make. He firmly rejected any notion that Russia's terms could be unilaterally accepted by Ukraine or Europe. He further noted that the European Union would be the sole authority on decisions regarding the frozen Russian assets currently held in Europe, aligning with European sovereignty on this matter.
"What was put on the table gives us an idea of what would be acceptable for the Russians. Does that mean that it is what must be accepted by the Ukrainians and the Europeans? The answer is no," Macron said. "Ukraine is the only one who can say what concessions they are prepared to make."
As for Ukraine’s security, Macron outlined that regenerating Ukraine’s military is central to the country’s defence in any peace agreement. He reiterated that the Ukrainian army must not be limited, highlighting the importance of maintaining a robust military as the first line of defence against any future threats. Macron pointed to ongoing discussions about training and equipping Ukraine’s armed forces to bolster its long-term security.
European role in peace efforts
When asked whether he would personally travel to Washington to assist in improving the peace plan, Macron dismissed the idea, stating that there was no need for him to go to the U.S. to make Europe’s position clear. His remarks reflected France’s confidence in its role within the broader European framework for negotiations and peace-building.
"But I don’t need to go to Washington to say it, because it’s both the law and what we have always done," Macron said, underscoring Europe’s authority in matters involving its own territorial security.
In terms of military cooperation, Macron mentioned the European reassurance forces, which include British, French, and Turkish troops, that would be deployed to provide training and security operations once peace is achieved, helping stabilize the region.
Macron’s remarks were made from Luanda, Angola, where the European Union and African Union leaders were meeting. His comments signal the ongoing European commitment to a strong, balanced, and Ukrainian-led peace process that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty while addressing the broader geopolitical complexities.
As diplomatic discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether the U.S. plan will evolve to incorporate these critical concerns and whether Ukraine’s sovereignty and security will be fully safeguarded in any eventual peace agreement.
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