Macron: The future of Europe cannot be decided in Washington or Moscow

Macron delivered an address to the nation regarding the war in Ukraine and its repercussions for Europe.

Stating that geopolitical developments in the world have made security and prosperity more uncertain, Macron said, "You are rightly worried given the historical events taking place today. The US has changed its stance on the war in Ukraine. The same US is expecting to impose customs duties on Europe."

"WHO CAN BELIEVE THAT RUSSIA WILL BE CONTENT WITH UKRAINE"

Macron stated that they have continued to support Ukrainians and impose sanctions on Russia since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, and continued as follows:

"Beyond Ukraine, the Russian threat is here and it is affecting European countries, it is affecting us too. Russia has already turned the war in Ukraine into a global conflict. It has mobilized North Korean soldiers and Iranian-made equipment on our continent, and at the same time, it has helped these countries to arm themselves further."

Expressing that the war in Ukraine has once again confirmed the existence of the Russian threat to Europe's security, Macron said that Russia continues to carry out cyberattacks and is "trying to influence public opinion by spreading false information on social media" in Europe.

Emphasizing that Russia plans to further expand its army with 3 thousand tanks and 300 fighter jets by 2030 with an expenditure of more than 40 billion euros, and that this country continues to be a threat to Europe's security, Macron said, "Who can believe that Russia will be content with Ukraine?"

"PEACE CANNOT BE ACHIEVED AT ANY PRICE"

Macron stated, "The path to peace does not lie in abandoning Ukraine. On the contrary, peace cannot be achieved at any price and through the impositions of a dictatorial regime. Peace does not mean the surrender or collapse of Ukraine."

Stating that they are preparing a "solid, lasting, and verifiable peace plan" with European partners and that he defended this plan during his visit to the US two weeks ago, Macron said regarding Ukraine, "I want to believe that the US will remain by our side, but we must also be prepared for any situation."

Macron once again underlined that regardless of the establishment of peace in Ukraine, Europe's defense and deterrence capacity must be increased, saying, "In this framework, we remain committed to NATO and our partnership with the US, but we must do more. We must strengthen our independence in terms of defense and security. The future of Europe must be determined in Europe, not in Washington or Moscow."

NUCLEAR DETERRENCE ON THE AGENDA

Stating that France has a "special status" in Europe's security and that Europe possesses the "most effective army" and nuclear deterrence capacity, Macron announced that the budget allocated to the army will be doubled within 10 years.

Stating that important steps will be taken at the summit to be held in Brussels tomorrow with the participation of 27 heads of state and government and EU representatives, Macron announced that "joint financing" will be decided for the purchase of defense equipment such as tanks and fighter jets in Europe.

Macron said, "In order to protect peace and security in Europe and in response to the historic call of the future German Chancellor, I have decided to open a strategic discussion on protecting allies on the European continent with France's nuclear deterrence."

THE DISPUTE MOVED UKRAINE TO THE TOP OF THE AGENDA

Following the dispute in the Oval Office between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the US had temporarily halted intelligence support and military shipments to that country.

Trump and Zelenskyy argued in front of cameras during their meeting in the Oval Office on February 28. The announced joint press conference was canceled, Zelenskyy left the White House alone, and a rare earth elements agreement was not signed.

Trump argued that Zelenskyy had "disrespected the American people," while Zelenskyy said he had done nothing wrong to apologize for.

With this dispute, while peace negotiations in Ukraine moved to the top of the agenda for European leaders, the leaders met in the capital London, hosted by the UK, at a security summit on Ukraine.

After the summit, France and the UK announced that they had agreed with Ukraine to work on a ceasefire plan in the country and that they would later negotiate and advance the plan with the US.

A summit on Ukraine is also planned to be held tomorrow in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, with the participation of 27 country leaders.

News Source: AA