Photo: Reuters
French President Emmanuel Macron stated in an interview with Fox News that he believes a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia could be reached "in the coming weeks" he said.
"First, we need peace. I think there is a possibility for this in the coming weeks. [...] If it is not adhered to, that would be the best proof that Russia is not taking this seriously," Macron said.
He continued by stating that during peace negotiations, discussions could be held regarding long-term peace, security guarantees, territorial integrity, and the reconstruction of Ukraine. The U.S. may enter into a contract regarding rare metals, which Macron believes would be the best guarantee of U.S. support for Ukraine's sovereignty.
At the same time, the French president emphasized that any peace agreement should not be "Ukraine's surrender" and that it must be reinforced with security guarantees.
Among the potential options for such guarantees, Macron mentioned that Kyiv should have a "strong army" (he specified at least 800,000 soldiers) and expressed readiness to send a European peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine. According to him, they are developing a proposal to place European troops "not on the front line, but in designated areas agreed upon in the peace treaty" together with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Their participation, Macron said, would help maintain peace "with U.S. assistance" and signify "our collective trust."
Macron stated that he has already discussed his proposals with the leaders of 30 other European countries, and most of them are ready to participate in providing security guarantees for Ukraine.
Macron gave an interview to Fox News shortly after his meeting with Donald Trump and a joint press conference with the American president.
During this press conference, Trump also stated that he aims to establish peace first and then long-term peace. However, he did not mention security guarantees.
"We want a quick but not fragile [peace] agreement," Macron said at the press conference.
The presidents of France and the U.S. have agreed that part of the peace agreement should include a European peacekeeping contingent in Ukraine. According to Trump, he has already discussed this with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and he believes Putin will agree to it.
"I specifically asked him [Putin] this question," Trump said. "He has no problem with this proposal." Previously, Russian officials had rejected the idea of placing European troops in Ukraine.
French President Macron was the first European leader to meet with Donald Trump after he returned to the White House. Following Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also planning to fly to Washington this week to meet with Trump.
