Macron praises Turkey on Ukraine: 'It has a very special position'
French President Emmanuel Macron held a press conference following his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris. The two leaders held consultations ahead of an international summit on Ukraine to be held tomorrow.
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Macron announced that France will continue to provide military support to Ukraine. In this context, he shared information that an additional aid package of 2 billion euros has been prepared. Calling for a ceasefire, the French leader stated that Russia has not yet given a positive response to the 30-day ceasefire agreement reached in Jeddah.
Drawing attention to Turkey's effective role in regional diplomacy during the press conference, Macron remarked, ''It has a very special position in the Black Sea.'' The French President referred to the role Ankara played in the implementation of the Grain Corridor Agreement signed in 2022.
According to the agreement reached between the US and Russia, Ukraine will not target Russian-flagged merchant ships in the Black Sea
Criticizing Russia's decision to withdraw from the agreement, Macron stated that he appreciates Turkey's contributions to the ongoing efforts to restart grain shipments.
Responding to a question about sending troops to Ukraine, Macron explained that the units there would not have a combatant nature. The French leader expressed the view that it is too early to lift the sanctions imposed on Russia following a possible peace agreement.
Macron noted that relations with the Moscow administration could normalize if it complies with international law. Long-term security guarantees for Ukraine were also discussed at the meeting.