The president of France, Emmanuel Macron, has expressed concerns about the potential consequences of a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, stating that it would be equivalent to a “capitulation” for Ukraine. In an interview with the Financial Times, Macron questioned whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is genuinely willing to negotiate a lasting ceasefire. Macron believes that only Ukraine has the authority to negotiate with Russia and that Europeans have a crucial role to play in discussions on regional security.
European Leaders’ Stance
Most European leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, share Macron’s views. Scholz has warned against negotiations that could lead to a Russian victory, stating that it would not bring peace. Instead, he believes that a Russian victory and the collapse of Ukraine would have severe consequences. The United Kingdom is the only major European power that has deviated from the official EU position, taking a more neutral stance on the conflict.
Ukrainian President’s Plea
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to attend the Munich Security Conference in Germany, where he will meet with dozens of heads of state to plead his case. Zelenski hopes to convince the international community, particularly the United States, not to abandon Ukraine and give in to Putin’s demands, including the annexation of eastern Ukraine and Crimea. The conference provides a crucial platform for Zelenski to rally support for his country’s cause and prevent a potentially disastrous peace agreement that could compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty.