Macron Warns of Russian Threat and Intensifies Diplomatic Consultations

President Emmanuel Macron has warned of the “existential threat” that Russia poses to Europe and announced a series of consultations with parliamentary groups and political parties in France. In an interview with the regional press on Tuesday, February 18, he highlighted cyberattacks, attempts at electoral manipulation, and migration pressures as key indicators of this threat.

Active Diplomacy in Motion

In response to this situation, Emmanuel Macron stated that he would gather French political forces in a format similar to the Saint-Denis meetings of 2023, where key political leaders were consulted on international crises. This meeting is part of a broader initiative to engage with European and international leaders on European security and the evolving conflict in Ukraine.

After hosting a meeting in Paris on Monday with a dozen European leaders, EU representatives, and NATO officials, Macron plans to hold another meeting on Wednesday with “several European and non-European states.” His objective is to consult with all 27 EU member states by the end of the week to define a common diplomatic stance moving forward.

Donald Trump’s Role in Negotiations

The recent phone conversation between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump has marked a diplomatic shift, accelerating discussions on European security and potential negotiations concerning the war in Ukraine. On Tuesday, a historic meeting took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between Russian and American officials. Following over four hours of talks, both sides agreed to initiate high-level negotiations and strengthen bilateral relations between Washington and Moscow.

Macron sees Donald Trump as a potential player in pressuring Russia. According to the French president, the former U.S. leader “reintroduces strategic uncertainty for Vladimir Putin” and “could help restart a useful dialogue” through his firm rhetoric.

A Lasting Peace Beyond a Ceasefire

Macron insists that a mere ceasefire in Ukraine will not be enough to resolve the conflict. “Everyone’s concern is that a simple ceasefire in Ukraine would not solve the conflict,” he said, emphasizing the need for lasting peace with guarantees of security, as well as social, economic, and political stability for Ukraine.

Amid growing tensions, Macron advocates for strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy. “We will have to reinforce our autonomy and make increasingly clear choices in terms of sovereignty,” he declared, reaffirming France’s ability to play a central role in managing the crisis and shaping future discussions.