'It’s amazing what comes out through emotion': US, world leaders react to tense Trump-Zelensky meeting
3. French President Macron: US, Europe were ‘right to help Ukraine’
In a brief statement, President Emmanuel Macron of France defended the sanctions levied against Russia in 2022 and indicated that both the U.S. and Europe should “continue to do so.”
Macron wrote: “There is an aggressor: Russia. There is a people under attack: Ukraine. We were all right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago and to continue to do so. We are Americans, Europeans, Canadians, Japanese and many others. Thanks to all those who helped and continue. And respect to those who, since the beginning, have been fighting. Because they are fighting for their dignity, their independence, for their children and for the security of Europe.
Macron has been actively involved in discussions regarding the war in Ukraine, advocating for strong security guarantees for Ukraine in any peace negotiations. He has also emphasized the need for Europe to take more responsibility for its own security while maintaining a dialogue with the U.S. regarding the conflict.
Following his visit to meet with Trump earlier this week, Macron urged the U.S. to “be careful” in its pursuit of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, adding, “We need something substantial for Ukraine.”