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\nOn the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the war in Ukraine, Head of State Emmanuel Macron spoke and reiterated his support for Volodymyr Zelensky’s country. The French President also said he did not believe in peace in the short term.\n<\/p>\n
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed profound skepticism about the possibility of achieving a \u201cshort-term peace\u201d in Ukraine during a recent videoconference with his counterparts in Kyiv. This meeting coincided with the fourth anniversary of Russia\u2019s invasion, highlighting concerns about the ongoing conflict and the challenges to resolution.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am very skeptical, to say the least, about being able to achieve peace in the short term,\u201d Macron stated at the opening of a session of the \u201ccoalition of the willing,\u201d a group of allies supporting Ukraine. He acknowledged the efforts toward peace talks but emphasized the lack of desire for peace from the Russian side. Despite noting that Russian forces are currently facing strategic defeats, he remained cautious about immediate diplomatic breakthroughs.<\/p>\n
In light of the grim outlook, Macron underscored the importance of continuing support for Ukraine. \u201cIt is crucial to finalize everything we agreed on, in concrete terms, so that it is credible,\u201d he noted, indicating the necessity for tangible commitments from nations involved in the coalition. This includes addressing the unresolved European loan of 90 billion euros intended for Kyiv, which is currently obstructed by Hungary\u2019s pro-Russian stance.<\/p>\n
Macron highlighted the need for robust action, specifically referencing the upcoming 20th sanctions package from the European Union against Russia, which also faces delays due to Hungary\u2019s opposition. He called on the allied nations to increase their contributions to Ukraine, both in financial aid and military support.<\/p>\n
Another crucial aspect Macron addressed was the importance of security guarantees for Ukraine. Once a ceasefire is achieved, some of the approximately 35 member countries of the Coalition of Volunteers must \u201clift their reserves\u201d concerning these guarantees. Such measures are expected to facilitate the planning of post-conflict stability in Ukraine.<\/p>\n
With the war showing no signs of abating, the sentiments echoed by Macron reflect a broader consensus among international leaders regarding the challenges of achieving peace. Despite the ongoing efforts towards negotiations and sanctions, the immediate future remains uncertain, and the need for a cohesive and credible support strategy is critical for Ukraine’s resilience as the conflict endures.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n