Even Macron Agrees Kiev Must Be Part Of Any Negotiations

French President Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed that any peace negotiations regarding the conflict in Ukraine must prioritize the interests of Kyiv and Europe. This statement comes amid recent developments where the United States and Russia have initiated discussions excluding European and Ukrainian representatives. In response to these diplomatic moves, Macron has been proactive in ensuring that Europe maintains a central role in the peace process. He convened an emergency summit in Paris with leaders from the European Union, the United Kingdom, and NATO to address the potential marginalization of Europe in these critical discussions. The summit underscored the necessity of a unified European stance, emphasizing that any peace agreement must not equate to a "capitulation" and should safeguard both Ukrainian sovereignty and European security interests. THEGUARDIAN.COM Macron's diplomatic efforts also include an upcoming visit to Washington, D.C., alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The objective of this visit is to engage directly with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has recently made controversial remarks about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, referring to him as a "dictator." These comments have raised concerns about the U.S. administration's commitment to supporting Ukraine and its alignment with European allies. THEAUSTRALIAN.COM.AU The exclusion of European nations from the U.S.-Russia talks has prompted European leaders to advocate for increased defense spending and a more robust collective security framework. Macron has described Trump's approach as an "electroshock," urging Europe to take greater responsibility for its defense and economic independence. This sentiment reflects a broader push for European strategic autonomy in the face of shifting U.S. foreign policy priorities. FT.COM The situation remains dynamic, with European leaders striving to assert their influence in the peace negotiations to ensure that any resolution aligns with the interests of both Ukraine and the broader European community.

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