Emmanuel Macron. Photo: Thibault Camus/AP
French President Emmanuel Macron has said that Russia poses an existential threat to Europe, using a wide range of means – from military manoeuvres to cyber attacks and election interference. In an interview with regional media, he cited the example of Romania, which, according to him, has fallen victim to the Kremlin’s information manipulations. This was reported by Le Monde, citing News.ro.
Nothing without Ukraine
Macron reiterated his principled position: no peace talks with Russia can take place without Ukraine’s participation. According to him, he conveyed this message to US President Donald Trump during a telephone conversation, stressing that a simple ceasefire would not solve the problem, as Russia does not keep its promises.
France is not preparing to send troops, but…
The French president ruled out the possibility of sending combat troops to the frontline in Ukraine. However, he confirmed that the option of sending military experts and instructors is being considered. According to him, France, together with the UK, is discussing the possibility of strengthening security guarantees for Kyiv, in particular through the expansion of defence programmes.
Macron also confirmed that he will hold a new summit on Ukraine on Wednesday, to which the Baltic states, Canada, Norway, Greece, Finland, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Belgium and Romania have been invited.
The split in Europe: troops or diplomacy?
Despite the declaration of unity, the issue of direct involvement of European troops in Ukraine remains controversial. While some countries are openly talking about the possibility of a military presence, others insist on a political and diplomatic path and financial support.
European leaders agreed that support for Ukraine should remain a priority and expressed readiness to increase defence budgets and expand military assistance to Kyiv. At the same time, the future of negotiations with Russia will largely depend on the position of the United States and Donald Trump personally.
