French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Ukraine to engage in "realistic discussions on territorial issues" as Ukraine and the EU prepare for Donald Trump's second presidential term in the US.
The President of France also believes "realistic" talks are necessary in the context of an unfavourable on the ground situation for Kyiv.
"Ukrainians need to engage in realistic discussions on territorial issues and only they can lead these discussions," Macron told French ambassadors at the Élysée Palace on Monday. Russia has seized about 20% of Ukraine and continues to make advances in the east of the country.
However, Europeans will need to "build security guarantees" for Ukraine, according to Macron. He emphasised that "the United States must help us to change the nature of the situation and persuade Russia to come to the negotiating table."
"The new American president is aware that the United States has no chance of winning anything if Ukraine loses," he added, stating that a "capitulation of Ukraine would not be good for Europeans and Americans" and that the credibility of the West would be undermined if they decide to compromise due to "war fatigue."
Macron warned there will be "no quick and easy solution in Ukraine" as the full-scale Russian invasion that began in 2022 approaches its fourth year in February.
Speculations have been rife in recent weeks about the conditions for future peace negotiations due to the return of Donald Trump to the White House on 20 January, who has promised to quickly end the conflict without specifying how.
