France’s Macron Urges Ukraine to Engage in Realistic Talks on Territorial Issues
French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Ukraine to engage in realistic discussions on territorial issues, emphasizing that only the Ukrainians can lead such talks. In a meeting with French ambassadors and officials at the Élysée Palace, Macron said that the Europeans must provide security guarantees, which will be their main responsibility.
Macron also expressed confidence that the United States will contribute to changing the situation and convincing Russia to join the negotiating table. Russia has repeatedly expressed its willingness to engage in Ukraine talks, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterating the country’s readiness in a recent interview.
Lavrov emphasized that any talks should focus on resolving the crisis’s root causes and taking into account the real situation on the ground.
A recent Financial Times forecast suggests that Ukraine is likely to agree to a peace treaty with Russia in 2025. According to the article, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may agree to cede territories in the interest of ending hostilities, but would accept de facto, if not de jure, Russian control over the areas. In return, Ukraine could receive security guarantees from Europe, backed by the United States. The article also suggests that Ukraine’s NATO membership bid may ultimately be frozen.
Macron’s remarks come as the international community continues to search for a solution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.