Zelenskyy, Macron and Putin, December 2019
“Ukrainians must have realistic discussions on territorial issues and only they can lead them”, commented the President of France.
The French President defended this Monday that Ukrainians must “have realistic discussions on territorial issues” to find a solution to the conflict triggered by the Russian invasion in 2022, at a time when Kiev faces an unfavorable situation on the ground.
“Os Ukrainians must have realistic discussions on territorial issues and only they can lead them”, said Emmanuel Macron during the annual meeting with French ambassadors at the Élysée Palace to define the main lines of foreign policy, at a time when Russia, which took possession of around , is intensifying its actions in the east of the country.
Europeans will, however, have to “create security guarantees” for Ukraine, stressed the French head of state, adding: “The United States of America must help us change the nature of the situation and the convince a Russia to sit at the negotiating table.”
“The elected North American President himself [Donald Trump] know that the The United States has no chance of winning anything if Ukraine loses“, said Macron, arguing that Ukraine’s capitulation is not beneficial for either Europeans or North Americans.
The French leader also stressed that the “credibility” do West he would be “shaken” if he accepted compromises due to “fatigue” from the conflict.
“There will be no quick and easy solution in Ukraine”warned the French President, suggesting that Kiev reflect carefully on issues of territorial possession, as a basis for a negotiating understanding with Moscow, at a time when the conflict is almost entering its fourth year.
Kiev expects relevant decisions from Trump when he takes office on January 20, but also fears a drop in American support, after the President-elect criticized Washington’s financial effort to support Ukraine.
To achieve an eventual ceasefire, the Kremlin (Russian presidency) continues to demand that Ukraine lay down its arms, cede the four regions partially occupied by Russian forces (Lugansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporijia), in addition to the Crimean peninsula annexed in 2014, and renounce its NATO membership.
These conditions are unacceptable for Kiev.
Ukraine has relied on financial and weapons aid from Western allies since Russia invaded the country on February 24, 2022.
Kiev’s allies have also enacted sanctions against key sectors of the Russian economy to try to diminish Moscow’s ability to finance the war effort in Ukraine.
