French President Emmanuel Macron Advises Ukraine on Territorial Talks
French President Emmanuel Macron has told Ukraine to have “realistic discussions on territorial issues”. He made the comments in an address to French ambassadors at the Elysee Palace. This comes after US President-elect Donald Trump vowed to bring both sides together and end the war quickly.
Macron warned that there would be no quick solution to the conflict in Ukraine. He said that it was up to European countries to “build security guarantees” for Ukraine, which is currently occupied by Russia. Russia controls around 20% of Ukrainian territory.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has acknowledged that his country‘s military does not have the strength to retake all of its lost territory by force. He said that some areas, such as Crimea, would need to be liberated through diplomatic means.
Macron also warned of consequences for Europe and the US if Ukraine loses the war. He said that it was a bad idea for Ukraine to lose, as this would have serious repercussions.
Zelensky has previously stated that his country’s military is one of the largest in Europe. However, Macron seems to be urging caution, saying that realistic discussions are needed on territorial issues.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing since 2014. Macron’s comments suggest that a possible peace agreement could involve some concessions by Ukraine on territory controlled by Russia.
Zelensky has also spoken out against corruption within his own country, stating that half of US aid may have been “lost” due to corruption or lobbying from US companies.
Recent military attacks in Ukraine included the use of cruise missiles and drones. The Ukrainian Air Force reported 128 Shahed-type drones were used by Russian forces.
The Ukrainian president also stated that he had previously offered Donald Trump a deal for Ukraine to buy American weapons using $300 billion in frozen Russian assets. This has not been taken up, according to Zelensky.
Zelensky also mentioned that 3,800 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded by Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk Oblast.
Ukraine is currently fighting against both Russian and North Korean forces. The conflict is ongoing, with no end in sight.