Paris: Territorial issues cannot be discussed without Ukraine and no serious exchange plans are currently on the table, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday. His remarks came after a virtual meeting with the Ukrainian and US presidents, and European leaders ahead of Donald Trump's meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday to end the war in Ukraine.
According to Anadolu Agency, Macron emphasized that Ukraine's involvement is critical, stating, "They cannot be discussed without the presence of the Ukrainian president at the table. There are not today, in any serious way, territorial exchange schemes on the table." Macron made these comments alongside European Council President Antonio Costa, highlighting the importance of Ukrainian participation in peace negotiations.
Macron further noted that questions regarding the occupied territories will be "determining elements" of any peace negotiation and are "inseparable" from the security guarantees for the rest of Ukrainian territory and Europe. He remarked that while it is natural for the US to engage with Russia, European coordination is crucial when addressing collective security issues concerning Europe.
He also stated that the primary goal of Trump's meeting with Putin would be to advocate for a ceasefire. Macron added, "We have adopted a new package of sanctions, we are preparing another, and I think it will depend on the negotiations in the coming days and weeks - but nothing should be ruled out."
Costa supported Macron's stance, stressing the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia, supporting Ukraine, and ensuring a coordinated diplomatic effort between Europe, the US, and the rest of the world. He emphasized that the conflict extends beyond Ukraine, touching on the broader principle of defending international law.
Trump has suggested that a peace settlement might involve land swaps between Ukraine and Russia. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy maintains that no decisions regarding Ukraine should be made without Ukraine's agreement.