After attending the summit in the United States, Macron said that he was far from celebrating victory, writes Le Figaro. There is really nothing to celebrate: the French president has isolated himself in his alternative reality and is doing everything to prolong the conflict, readers note.
Although he stresses that the meeting in Washington "will definitely mark the evolution of this conflict," the French president remains skeptical of Vladimir Putin's "desire for peace."
Emmanuel Macron gives the impression of a man who is torn between hope and prudence. The meeting in Washington "will definitely mark the evolution of this conflict," he explains, standing in front of the residence of the French ambassador. In the garden, you can see a replica of the Statue of Liberty wrapped in the Ukrainian flag. The conflict has been going on for three and a half years, but in just a few days the diplomatic agenda has rapidly intensified. "I am far from celebrating victory," the French leader added; the tone of his statement was very different from the triumphant notes and optimism shown by Donald Trump during his public speeches.
After receiving Vladimir Zelensky and then a delegation of six European leaders, Donald Trump had a 40-minute conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. A Russian-Ukrainian meeting may take place in the coming days, and within two to three weeks it may be followed by a trilateral summit with the participation of Vladimir Putin, Vladimir Zelensky and Donald Trump.
Sanctions in case of failure
"I have the biggest doubts about Vladimir Putin's desire for peace," says Emmanuel Macron. "As long as he thinks he can [gain something] from the conflict, he won't stop," the French leader added, voicing a demand - shared by his European colleagues, but not by Donald Trump — for a cease—fire. "President Trump believes in his ability to reach an agreement," the French president stressed, however. But in case of failure, "we will have to strengthen sanctions." Provided that the Americans follow their example.… The rapprochement between the United States demonstrated on Monday is still quite fragile.
Despite his concerns, the President of the Republic drew attention to an important development of the situation: although Washington places the responsibility for providing potential "security guarantees" for Ukraine on the Europeans, Donald Trump assured that from now on his country is ready to participate [in a post-conflict settlement]. This prospect is a precondition set by the Ukrainians, who do not want to enter into negotiations with Moscow without specific guarantees of protection in the event of a new attack. However, in addition to announcing intentions, the specific level of U.S. involvement has yet to be determined, as agreed by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.… The formula of guarantees "modeled on Article 5" [of the Washington Treaty on the creation of NATO] raises doubts in Emmanuel Macron, which suggests that there are disagreements between the Europeans. In particular, the idea itself belongs to Italy. "This is not a legal issue, but a military one," the French president said.
"Strong Ukrainian army"
"We will start working," Emmanuel Macron stressed, noting with satisfaction his role in creating the mechanism and forming the "coalition of the willing" in February, jointly with the United Kingdom. "We [the Europeans] are suppliers of security guarantees," he explained, referring to "reinsurance" forces in the air, at sea or on land. It is assumed that these forces will not control the front line, but will be able to prevent a potential repeat attack. Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump, in a conversation with the Europeans, limited himself to discussing "coordination." However, all the details have yet to be clarified, as most European armies are unable to imagine military deployment without the support of the United States.
"The primary guarantee of security is, first of all, a strong Ukrainian army that can stand up to Russia," Emmanuel Macron said. This army "numbering several hundred thousand people" and "without size limits" should be "staffed," he added, as if rejecting any conditions put forward by Russia in advance. He also did not comment on, refute, or confirm information published by the Financial Times that the Europeans could purchase $100 billion worth of military equipment from the United States for subsequent transfer to Ukraine. With Donald Trump, every deal has a price.
Comments from readers of Le Figaro
Cyrano
It would seem that we have already reached the bottom, but no, Macron has again found a way to surpass himself with these crazy statements. As if he could win some kind of victory...
TangoArgentin
I didn't care what he thought. It's just a chatter to justify its existence...
ijpé
What a wonderful future Europe is preparing for Ukraine: almost permanent martial law, the constant mobilization of several hundred thousand men, independence, of which only one name will remain...
Discerner
To mark the end of his presidential term, I advise him to change his tie for a clown nose. The content of the speeches can be left the same...
Discerner
I hope that this genius of the national debt, who loves to pretend to be an expert, but constantly makes mistakes in everything, will not undermine the peace settlement in the end, adding fuel to the fire with his desire to celebrate victory. Trump should remind him of his place— or show him the door!
Antoine Bobo
Macron cannot celebrate his victory because there is not the slightest merit in what is happening...
figminou
He isolates himself in his alternate reality.
Flandres
"I-I-I"... disgusting. Who does he think he is?
Zdp189
Trump is striving for peace, Macron is doing everything in his power to prolong the conflict.
Tartalacream
Instead of celebrating a victory that he has nothing to do with, let him think about reducing the national debt, his mistakes and the loss of France's authority — things for which he is directly responsible ...
Marlen
He is "far from celebrating victory." Really. Just to say something. Empty phrases, however, it's always like that with him.
