French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that the 28-point plan, recently put forth by the United States, represents a positive direction for peace. However, he stressed the necessity of further discussion, negotiation, and refinement. "This initiative is moving in the right direction for peace. However, there are aspects of the plan that need discussion, negotiation, and refinement. We seek peace, but not a peace that amounts to surrender," Macron stated today.
The draft, delivered by the United States to Ukraine on 20/11, includes several demands previously made by Russia. These provisions suggest Ukraine relinquish the Donbass region, accept limits on its military size, and cease its pursuit of NATO membership. Macron firmly stated that only Ukrainians can decide whether they are willing to make territorial concessions. He added, "The points presented help us envision conditions that Russia might accept. But are these terms that Ukraine and Europe must also accept? The answer is no."
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French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to Mauritius on 20/11. Photo: AFP
Macron also highlighted that rebuilding its military is Ukraine's primary means of self-defense if a peace agreement with Russia is signed, and this capacity cannot be restricted. He further asserted that Europe alone holds the authority to determine the fate of frozen Russian assets in Europe. When questioned about traveling to Washington to aid negotiations for a better deal, President Macron indicated no such plans currently exist.
In a related development, officials from the United States, Ukraine, and Europe met on 23/11 in Geneva, Switzerland. They discussed an "updated" version of the plan, reporting significant progress, though the contents of the new draft remain undisclosed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged that "the right points" had been incorporated into the plan, with sensitive issues slated for discussion with US President Donald Trump. Conversely, Russia viewed the initial US draft as a potential foundation for a peace agreement, rejecting any version modified with European involvement.
By Huyen Le (AFP, Reuters)
