Macron issues warning: 'Ukraine must be at the table'

French President Emmanuel Macron made statements following video conference calls with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump, and EU leaders. Addressing the meeting to be held between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, Macron said, "Our conversation with Donald Trump allowed us to clarify his intentions and express our expectations."

Stating that Trump wants to "secure a ceasefire" at the meeting in Alaska, Macron said, "This is very important. At this meeting, the US securing a ceasefire should be supported by steps such as prisoner exchanges and the release of children."

Macron said, "Issues concerning Ukrainian territory are non-negotiable and must only be negotiated by the President of Ukraine. This is a position we support, and it has also been clearly expressed by President Trump. There is currently no serious land-swap plan on the table."

Pointing to the link between potential territorial concessions and security guarantees, Macron noted that Trump said "NATO should not be part of these security guarantees" and that this is an important point, especially for Russia. Macron stated, "The US and all allies ready for this should be part of these guarantees. This is also our commitment, and it is a very important clarification for me."

Macron also said that Trump wants to hold a trilateral summit with Putin and Zelenskyy, and that they are in favor of this taking place in a neutral European country that the parties would agree upon.

News Source: İHA