Macron: Robust Security Guarantees Crucial for Ukraine, Sees No current Russian Desire for Ceasefire
Geneva/Paris – November 24, 2023 - French President Emmanuel Macron stated today that “the absolute condition for good peace is a series of very robust security guarantees, and not guarantees only on paper,” as diplomatic efforts intensify to find a negotiated resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. Macron’s remarks came ahead of a coalition meeting – comprised of more than 30 countries, primarily European – focused on providing those security assurances to ukraine.U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to join the discussions.
Macron emphasized the necessity of strong guarantees given Ukraine’s history of “promises broken by successive Russian aggressions.” He noted that negotiations are ”gaining new momentum” following the publication of an American plan, which has been under discussion in recent days. “We are clearly at a crucial moment. We must take advantage of this momentum,” he said. He welcomed the ”open and constructive discussion” held between Ukraine and the United states in Geneva on November 23.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to present the outcome of the Geneva discussions – based on the American plan – to the coalition, alongside proposals for how member countries can provide security “guarantees.”
Macron also underscored the importance of Ukraine’s own military strength,stating,”the first thing that will protect Ukraine is it’s own army.” He highlighted efforts to support Ukraine thru training, equipment, and capacity building. He further detailed a second layer of security involving “reinsurance forces” – British, French, and Turkish soldiers – stationed “far from the front zone” to conduct training and security operations after a peace agreement is signed.
In a morning interview on RTL,Macron asserted that there is “clearly no Russian desire to have a ceasefire” at this time.
