Macron Calls for Realistic Negotiations on Ukraine: “No Quick or Easy Solution”

During his address to French ambassadors at the Élysée Palace on Monday, January 6, Emmanuel Macron tackled the complex issue of the war in Ukraine. The president emphasized the need for Ukrainians to engage in realistic discussions about territorial issues, stressing that only they can lead such negotiations to secure a lasting resolution to the conflict sparked by Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

A Call for Diplomatic Pragmatism
Outlining his geopolitical vision, Macron highlighted Europe’s critical role in ensuring Ukraine’s security while urging the United States to play a pivotal part in persuading Moscow to return to the negotiating table. “Europeans will have the primary responsibility to build security guarantees for Ukraine,” he said, adding that there is “no quick or easy solution” to this deeply entrenched conflict.

Irreconcilable Conditions for Peace
While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has recently expressed a willingness to engage in diplomatic talks, Russia’s demands remain unacceptable to Kyiv. The Kremlin has called for Ukraine to disarm, relinquish several partially occupied regions—alongside Crimea, annexed in 2014—and abandon its aspirations to join NATO. These conditions have been firmly rejected by Ukraine, which aims to reclaim its occupied territories diplomatically while safeguarding areas under its control with NATO’s protection.

The Influence of U.S. Policy
The election of Donald Trump as President of the United States, with his promise of a swift resolution to the conflict, has reignited discussions on achieving lasting peace. Macron cautioned against any capitulation by Ukraine, warning that it would undermine Western credibility. “The new American president knows the U.S. has nothing to gain if Ukraine loses,” Macron said, stressing that “fatigue” with the conflict must not lead to concessions that could weaken the West’s position against Russia.

A Decade of Diplomatic Challenges Ahead
As the conflict reaches a critical stage with intensified fighting in eastern Ukraine, Macron reiterated the importance of a strategic and unified approach. France, as a key player in European diplomacy, remains committed to maintaining Western unity in the face of Moscow’s ambitions.