Macron stresses need for lasting peace in Ukraine, calls for end to Russian "aggression" after talks with Trump, Zelenskyy

Paris [France], February 18 (ANI): French President Emmanuel Macron held discussions with US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and emphasised the importance of a strong and lasting peace.
He stressed that Russia must end its aggression, and that this must be accompanied by "strong and credible" security guarantees for Ukraine.
Sharing a post on X, Macron wrote, "After bringing together several European leaders, I have just spoken with President @realDonaldTrump and then with President @ZelenskyyUa. We seek a strong and lasting peace in Ukraine. To achieve this, Russia must end its aggression, and this must be accompanied by strong and credible security guarantees for the Ukrainians. Otherwise, there is a risk that this ceasefire will end up like the Minsk agreements."
The post added, "We will work on this together with all Europeans, Americans, and Ukrainians. This is the key. We are convinced that Europeans must invest better, more, and together in their security and defense--both for today and for the future."
Zelenskyy also shared details of his conversation with French President Macron following his discussions with European leaders about Ukraine's security situation. Zelenskyy reiterated the commitment to securing robust and reliable security guarantees for Ukraine, emphasising that any agreement lacking these guarantees--such as a fragile ceasefire--would only enable further deception by Russia and risk reigniting conflict.
In a post on X, Zelenskyy said, "I just had a long conversation with President of France @EmmanuelMacron following his meeting today with other European leaders to discuss the global situation, the state of affairs in Europe, and security guarantees for Ukraine."
He added, "We share a common vision: security guarantees must be robust and reliable. Any other decision without such guarantees--such as a fragile ceasefire--would only serve as another deception by Russia and a prelude to a new Russian war against Ukraine or other European nations. Emmanuel also briefed me on his talks with other leaders, not just European ones. We agreed to stay in constant contact as major decisions are being made. Ensuring a robust and lasting peace is a must. And that can only be achieved through strong security guarantees."
Meanwhile, European leaders on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine amid Russia's invasion, but did not offer any new security guarantees that might alter the situation, especially as Donald Trump pushes for negotiations with Russia, Euro News reported.
At the conclusion of an emergency summit in Paris, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his willingness to commit British forces on the ground alongside other nations if a lasting peace agreement is reached.
However, he emphasised that a US security guarantee is essential to effectively deter further Russian aggression towards Ukraine.
"I am prepared to consider committing British forces on the ground alongside others if there's a lasting peace agreement. But there must be a US backstop because a US security guarantee is the only way to effectively deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again," Starmer said at the end of an emergency summit in Paris.
"We have to recognise the new era we're in, not cling hopelessly to the comforts of the past. It's time for us to take responsibility for our security, for our continent," he added. (ANI)