Ukraine's capitulation is unacceptable - Macron 0 6

“We want peace, but not a peace that essentially means capitulation, puts Ukraine in a hopeless situation, and gives Russia the freedom to act further, including against other European countries,” Macron said in an interview with RTL radio, broadcast on Tuesday. He added that the U.S. plan is a step in the right direction, containing points that are worth discussing and improving.

“What is being put forward for discussion gives us an idea of what is acceptable to the Russians,” the French leader noted, emphasizing that only the Ukrainians themselves can agree to the conditions outlined in the plan.

“No one can speak on behalf of the Ukrainians about what territorial concessions they are willing to make,” Macron stressed, as he is scheduled to hold a video conference today with leaders of key European allies of Ukraine to discuss the American plan.

The initial version of the proposed 28-point U.S. plan was quite favorable to Russia. It demanded that Ukraine cede occupied territories to Russia, as well as territories that Russia had not even captured. Kyiv was also required to commit to never joining NATO and to reduce its army.

Over the weekend, negotiations took place in Geneva involving representatives from the U.S., Ukraine, and Europe, during which the plan was revised with greater consideration of Ukraine's position.

In particular, the plan includes the use of frozen Russian assets in Europe for U.S.-led projects aimed at rebuilding Ukraine after the war. However, Macron emphasized that it is the Europeans who should decide how to manage these funds.

He also noted that the only truly unanswered question is whether Russia is ready for a long-term peace. “A peace where in six, eight months, or two years they do not invade Ukraine again,” the French president emphasized.