Macron is set to engage with leaders from approximately 15 nations, including Canada, primarily through video conferencing, as stated by the presidency.
US President Donald Trump has surprised the European Union by expressing a willingness to reinitiate diplomatic discussions with Vladimir Putin after three years of conflict in Ukraine, suggesting that the future of the pro-Western nation could be deliberated without the involvement of Europe or Kyiv.
In response to Washington’s apparent shift towards Moscow, Macron held urgent discussions on Monday with prominent European leaders, as well as NATO and EU officials. Reports indicate that several smaller European nations, such as Romania and the Czech Republic, were dismayed at their exclusion from the talks, despite their strong support for Ukraine. Consequently, Macron has scheduled another meeting for Wednesday.
Macron was scheduled to meet in person with Romania’s interim president, Ilie Bolojan, on Wednesday afternoon, according to the presidency’s announcement.
Following their meeting, the two leaders intended to participate in an “informal video conference” alongside other heads of state and government, as stated by the Elysee. While the announcement lacked additional specifics, it was anticipated that leaders from Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, and Canada would be involved.
French newspaper Le Monde highlighted the “frustration among European nations” that were excluded from the discussions held on Monday.
Le Monde reported that the leaders of certain nations are facing challenging political circumstances as they encounter a significant rise in pro-Russian elements within their domestic political landscape.
Since Russia initiated its extensive invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, France has emerged as one of Ukraine’s primary supporters in the West.
- ‘We must remain vigilant’ –
In an interview with regional French newspapers released on Tuesday, Macron stated, “Russia represents an existential danger to Europe.”
“Do not assume that the unimaginable cannot occur, even the most severe outcomes.”
Macron expressed a willingness to contemplate the deployment of forces to Ukraine, but he stressed that such action would be strictly limited and conducted away from active conflict areas.
He noted that France, in collaboration with Britain, was evaluating the possibility of sending “experts or even troops in a limited capacity, outside any conflict zone.”
One Tuesday, Trump sparked controversy by attributing blame to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for Russia’s invasion.Trump’s statements were part of a series of “incomprehensible” comments that raised concerns regarding the “coherence” of the United States’ stance on Ukraine, according to French government spokeswoman Sophie Primas.
Read more: Macron Believes Trump could Restart a Constructive Dialogue with Putin.
Should we choose inaction and ignore the looming threat, the front line will inevitably advance nearer to our borders.In an effort to maintain pressure on Moscow, EU nations reached an agreement on Wednesday to implement a new set of sanctions against Russia, according to diplomats.
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