France's President Macron states that territorial disputes can be settled exclusively with Ukraine.
In a significant development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a virtual meeting with European leaders and U.S. President Donald Trump in Berlin on Wednesday. The discussion focused on finding a solution to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Emmanuel Macron, the French President, and Friedrich Merz, the German Chancellor, were among the leaders who strongly emphasized the importance of Ukraine's direct involvement in resolving territorial disputes and achieving a ceasefire with Russia. They made it clear that peace negotiations cannot be decided without Ukraine's participation and must include security guarantees to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
During the meeting, Zelenskyy proposed a meeting of the leaders of the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine. Trump has expressed his intention to achieve a ceasefire during his upcoming meeting with Putin. However, Zelenskyy stated on social media that there are "no signs" of Russia's readiness to end the conflict.
The leaders also reiterated that meaningful talks require at least a ceasefire or significant cessation of hostilities. They agreed that sanctions against Russia should continue or be strengthened if a ceasefire is not agreed upon. They also stressed that international borders must not be altered by force and that Ukraine must be assured of robust security guarantees to defend itself, including no limitations on its armed forces or its cooperation with other countries.
Russia cannot have a veto over Ukraine’s ambitions for EU and NATO integration, the leaders stated. Emmanuel Macron has consistently underscored that Russia shows no sincere desire for peace, labeling Putin as “an ogre at our doorstep” and stressing that peace must ensure Ukraine’s security to prevent further aggression. He rejects any idea of territorial swaps and insists that illegally claimed land by Russia cannot be recognized.
In a joint statement, the leaders firmly supported a negotiated peace process that involves Ukraine directly, respects its borders, provides it with credible security guarantees, and insists on the necessity of a ceasefire before meaningful negotiations can proceed.
The meeting in Berlin was reported by France24 and Charter97.org, a news organization with various social media channels and a donation account for support. The confirmation of these conditions was made during the videoconference between Zelenskyy, Macron, Merz, and other leaders.
[1] Coalition of the Willing meeting statement. [2] Macron's speech at the European Parliament. [3] Macron's interview with France 2. [4] Macron's press conference with Zelenskyy.
- The leaders emphasized the need for policy and legislation regarding war-and-conflicts, particularly with regard to Ukraine's territorial disputes with Russia, and stressed that direct involvement of Ukraine and meaningful talks must include security guarantees, a ceasefire, and no alteration of international borders by force.
- General news outlets such as France24 and Charter97.org reported on the meeting in Berlin, where policy and legislation concerning war-and-conflicts were discussed. This meeting was significant in the realm of politics, as leaders considered policy changes that could aid in resolving the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
