French President Emmanuel Macron urged France to sustain support for Ukraine, saying advocates of aid limits sought an unjust settlement that could expose Europe to another war as U.S.-led negotiations proceed.
In a Saturday social media post, Macron accused those seeking to curb assistance of trying to force an “unjust peace” on Ukraine, warning that such an outcome could lead to another war. He argued that defending Ukraine also serves French interests.
Macron called for continued funding and practical help to protect civilians and Ukraine’s electricity system as winter nears. He also urged Ukraine’s partners to tell Moscow what postwar outcome they support and define the security role they want the United States to play in Europe.
The appeal comes amid Washington’s effort to bring Kyiv and Moscow toward a settlement. France 24, citing AFP, reported that U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky separately Thursday, after two days of discussions in Abu Dhabi ended without a deal.
France 24 also reported that France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and Poland were selected in Dublin on Friday to send representatives to future talks. The outlet reported that Zelensky said Washington had suggested Ukraine surrender territory to Russia in exchange for joining NATO.
Macron said he saw little willingness from Putin to negotiate, pointing to what he described as intensified Russian drone and missile strikes on civilians and energy facilities ahead of winter.
