Macron Calls for Lasting Peace in Ukraine and a Stronger, Independent Europe

Paris, March 2, 2025 – Two days after a heated clash between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Europe to step up its role in securing a durable peace in Ukraine. Speaking amid growing uncertainty over U.S. support, Macron emphasized the need for European autonomy in defense and warned against a peace deal that sidelines Kyiv or the continent.

A Response to the Trump-Zelensky Fallout

Macron’s remarks come in the wake of Friday’s explosive Oval Office confrontation, where Trump threatened to abandon Ukraine unless it struck a deal with Russia, ejecting Zelensky from the White House (Zelensky-Trump clash). Rejecting any resolution that compromises Ukraine, Macron declared, “There can be no just and lasting peace with an abandonment of Ukraine.” He stressed that Europe must remain united in backing Kyiv against Russia, cautioning that upcoming negotiations cannot be monopolized by the United States.

The French leader’s stance reflects frustration with Trump’s ambiguous commitment to Ukraine, especially as the U.S. engages Russia in talks excluding European and Ukrainian input. “If the United States concluded a ceasefire solely with Russia, they’d contravene international law,” Macron warned, highlighting the risk to NATO’s cohesion if Washington acts unilaterally.

Pushing for European Strategic Autonomy

With Trump’s “America First” pivot casting doubt on U.S. reliability, Macron doubled down on his long-standing call for European defense independence. “We must strengthen our autonomy,” he urged, advocating for deeper military cooperation and a collective financial push. He proposed “massive, joint funding” in the hundreds of billions of euros to build a robust European defense framework, a plea echoed in a recent interview with French media (Macron on EU defense).

This urgency stems from fears of a U.S. retreat from NATO, amplified by Elon Musk’s recent endorsement of exiting the alliance and the UN. Macron sees Europe’s self-reliance as a buffer against such shifts, ensuring the continent can safeguard its interests regardless of Washington’s stance.

Warning of Wider Conflict

Macron also sounded the alarm on the broader geopolitical stakes. “If Vladimir Putin isn’t stopped, he’ll surely move on Moldova and perhaps Romania,” he predicted, arguing that conceding to Moscow would signal weakness and embolden Kremlin ambitions. This echoes concerns raised at a London summit on March 2, where European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, pledged €2.74 billion to Ukraine’s war effort (London summit).

With Zelensky now rallying support in Europe—meeting King Charles III and securing funds—Macron is banking on the EU’s extraordinary summit on March 6 in Brussels to forge a unified strategy. “Europe must take responsibility and secure its borders,” he insisted, positioning the continent as a central player in peace talks.

Why It Matters Now

The timing is critical. Trump’s threats and Musk’s isolationist rhetoric have jolted Europe into action, with posts on X reflecting alarm over a potential U.S. pullback ([X reactions, March 1, 2025]). Macron’s vision of a self-sufficient Europe aims to counter this, ensuring Ukraine isn’t left vulnerable and that Russia faces sustained pressure. His warnings about Moldova and Romania underscore the stakes, framing the conflict as a test of European resolve.

Next Steps

• Brussels Summit: March 6 will test Europe’s ability to align on defense and Ukraine support.
• Funding Push: Macron’s call for billions in joint investment could reshape EU priorities.
• Peace Talks: Europe seeks a seat at the table to avoid a U.S.-Russia stitch-up.

Conclusion: Europe’s Moment of Truth

Macron’s plea for a lasting peace in Ukraine and a stronger Europe marks a pivotal response to U.S. uncertainty. As Zelensky rallies allies and Trump pivots toward Moscow, the French leader’s push for autonomy could redefine the continent’s role in the war—and its future security.