French President Emmanuel Macron has called on European leaders to take responsibility for securing peace for future generations, warning that the current generation may no longer enjoy its benefits.
Speaking ahead of a high-stakes summit in Brussels on Thursday, Macron emphasized the need for the European Union’s 27 leaders to ramp up defense spending and continue supporting Ukraine. His remarks come as Washington signals a shift in priorities, pulling back from Europe and taking a more conciliatory stance toward Russia in an effort to negotiate a peace agreement.
Following a disastrous meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week, Washington has halted military aid to Kyiv and has also ceased intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
Macron reaffirmed his stance that Ukraine must not be abandoned, insisting that a ceasefire should only be accepted if accompanied by solid security guarantees. He also announced plans to meet with military officials from European nations willing to contribute peacekeeping forces. These forces would be deployed only after active fighting has ceased to help enforce a future ceasefire in Ukraine.
The French president also accused Moscow of testing France’s resilience both militarily and through cyber operations. He reiterated his position that Russia has transformed the war in Ukraine into a global conflict.
In response to mounting security concerns and declining U.S. engagement, Macron revealed that he is launching a strategic debate on potentially extending France’s nuclear deterrent to protect European allies. This proposal aligns with the views of Germany’s incoming Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, who has also voiced support for strengthening Europe’s nuclear defense capabilities.
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