Following the controversy between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, there is curiosity regarding the roadmap to be determined on the Kiev-Washington line. In a notable statement, French President Macron emphasized that Russia continues to pose a threat to Europe’s security and announced that he will meet with European chiefs of staff in Paris next week.

Addressing the nation, French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the increasingly complex international situation, expressing that the French people are “rightfully concerned.”

Macron noted that the violence in Ukraine persists, the US is reducing its support to Ukraine, and preparing to impose additional customs duties on products from Europe.

Using the phrase “The world is becoming increasingly ruthless, and the threat of terrorism is not diminishing,” Macron drew attention to the new threats that France and Europe are facing. He affirmed the necessity of the support Europe and France provide to Ukraine, stating that not only is Ukraine fighting for freedom, but our security is also under threat.

He also stated that Russia is planning to increase its army with more than 3,000 tanks and 300 warplanes by spending over 40 billion euros until 2030. Macron mentioned the violations Russia committed within Europe, including manipulating elections in Romania and Moldova and launching cyber attacks on hospitals. He emphasized that Russia remains a threat to Europe’s security by asking, “Who can believe that Russia will settle for Ukraine alone?”

Macron suggested the need for Europe to play a more active role in ensuring peace in Ukraine, potentially by involving European forces. These forces would not engage in combat but oversee the full implementation of the peace agreement.

Furthermore, Macron announced that he will bring together the chiefs of staff of countries ready to contribute to peace in Ukraine in Paris next week. Stressing that France’s nuclear deterrence capacity is a fundamental element of Europe’s security, Macron stated that France’s nuclear power has been maintaining peace and security in Europe since 1964.

In response to a call from Germany’s selected Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Macron stated that France would open the discussion on nuclear deterrence policy for protecting European allies, concluding that the final decision will always be in the hands of the French President.

After the dispute in the Oval Office between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the US temporarily suspended intelligence support and military shipment to Ukraine. Trump accused Zelensky of disrespecting the American people, while Zelensky maintained that he did nothing wrong to warrant an apology.

This dispute brought peace negotiations in Ukraine to the forefront of European leaders’ agendas. Leaders gathered in London for a Ukraine-themed security summit hosted by the UK. Following the summit, France and the UK agreed to work on a ceasefire plan in Ukraine and later negotiate and advance the plan with the US. Today, a summit on Ukraine involving 27 country leaders is planned in Brussels, Belgium.