Macron on Trump's Ukraine Peace Plan: "Right Direction But Needs Improvement for European Acceptance"

French President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged that US President Donald Trump's peace initiative for Ukraine is moving in a positive direction, while emphasizing that certain elements need further refinement to gain acceptance from Ukraine and European nations.

Speaking to RTL radio on Tuesday, Macron stated, "It's an initiative that goes in the right direction: peace. However, there are aspects of that plan that deserve to be discussed, negotiated, improved." He firmly added, "We want peace, but we don't want a peace that would be a capitulation."

Macron emphasized that territorial concessions must remain solely at Ukraine's discretion. "What was put on the table gives us an idea of what would be acceptable for the Russians. Does that mean that it is what must be accepted by the Ukrainians and the Europeans? The answer is no," he clarified.

The French President highlighted that officials have reported making progress on amending the US peace proposal for Ukraine.

Additionally, Macron stressed that Ukraine's primary defense strategy following any peace agreement with Russia would involve rebuilding its military capabilities without restrictions. He also noted that frozen Russian assets remain under European control, with Europe retaining exclusive authority over their disposition.

When questioned about potentially traveling to Washington to help negotiate improvements to the peace plan, Macron indicated he currently has no such intentions.