Janice R. Andrews
French President Emmanuel Macron has cautioned that any peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine must not result in capitulation, calling it “bad news for everyone,” including the US. His remarks follow a pivotal hour-long call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where the two leaders discussed potential peace talks and agreed to meet soon.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Macron emphasized that Europe must take responsibility for Ukraine’s security, echoing Trump’s stance. “What Trump is saying to Europe is that it is up to you to carry the burden. And I say, it is up to us to take it on,” Macron stated. He described Trump’s initiative as a “window of opportunity” for a negotiated solution, urging Europe to “muscle up” on defense to protect its future and Ukraine’s.
Macron stressed that only Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy can negotiate a ceasefire on behalf of his country. He warned that Europe is “running out of road” and must act decisively to secure peace without compromising Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed support for diplomatic negotiations to end the conflict, calling the Trump-Putin dialogue a “positive development.” He reiterated Kazakhstan’s commitment to supporting peace efforts, highlighting the war’s global implications.
Adding to the discourse, US Vice President JD Vance, in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, hinted at a potential peace deal that could “shock a lot of people.” He warned that the US would impose sanctions and consider military action if Putin refuses to agree to a deal ensuring Ukraine’s long-term independence.
As global leaders navigate this critical juncture, Macron’s call for a balanced and just resolution underscores the high stakes of the ongoing negotiations. The world watches closely as diplomatic efforts intensify, hoping for a breakthrough that ensures lasting peace without sacrificing Ukraine’s sovereignty.
