French President Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed his support for Ukraine, stating that peace must not come at the cost of the country’s sovereignty.
Speaking during a joint news conference with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, February 24, Macron warned against a world where the law of the strongest prevails.
“This peace cannot mean the surrender of Ukraine. Ukraine fought over these past few years for its independence and for its sovereignty, but also for our collective security,” Macron said. “I think that no one in this room wants to live in a world where it’s the law of the strongest and international borders can be violated from one day to the next.”
The French leader’s remarks come as the Trump administration engages in dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, pushing for a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict. Trump’s approach, which marks a significant departure from that of his predecessor, Joe Biden, includes negotiations with Ukraine regarding control over its vast mineral resources and rare earth elements before committing further military aid.
The war in Ukraine began three years ago when Russia launched a full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. The conflict, rooted in long-standing tensions between Moscow and Kyiv, escalated rapidly, drawing widespread international condemnation. Western nations, including the United States and European allies, imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia and supplied Ukraine with military and financial assistance to resist Russian advances.
Despite multiple attempts at peace talks, the war has persisted, leading to thousands of casualties and widespread destruction. The Kremlin has justified its actions by claiming to protect Russian-speaking populations in Ukraine, while Kyiv and its allies insist the invasion is an unjustified violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Macron’s latest comments underscore European concerns that any resolution to the conflict should not undermine Ukraine’s territorial integrity. His warning against a world governed by brute force highlights broader fears that unchecked aggression could set a dangerous precedent for international relations.
The situation remains tense as diplomatic efforts continue, with global leaders closely monitoring developments in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
