On August 7, French President Emmanuel Macron held an important phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders, reaffirming France’s strong support for Ukraine and calling for a ceasefire. The move is seen as a key diplomatic step aimed at paving the way for peace talks and ensuring security for both Ukraine and the whole of Europe.
Posting on X/Twitter after the call, Macron emphasized: “France fully supports the establishment of a ceasefire to move toward a peaceful resolution.”
His appeal came just one day after Steve Witkoff, special envoy to US President Donald Trump, reported significant progress toward peace following a three-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on August 6. After being briefed, President Trump held phone calls with Zelensky and European allies, reiterating his stance that “the war must end.”
These moves highlight growing international momentum to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has continued since Russia launched its military campaign in early 2022.
Macron stressed the importance of launching talks to reach a “strong and lasting” solution for Ukraine, maintaining close communication with both Zelensky and Trump. In early July, the French leader also held a rare call with Putin, urging Moscow to implement a ceasefire.
Beyond diplomacy, France is one of Ukraine’s staunchest supporters in Europe, providing military aid, financial assistance, and training for Ukrainian forces. Support packages have included advanced weapons such as SCALP-EG missiles, Caesar self-propelled howitzers, and various armored vehicles.
Paris has also pushed for stricter enforcement of sanctions against Russia and increased European investment in defense production to ensure sustained support. Macron has openly backed Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union (EU) and supported long-term NATO security guarantees for Kyiv.
President Zelensky welcomed Macron’s ceasefire appeal, affirming Ukraine’s readiness for peace but noting that Russia has yet to issue a clear public response. He stressed the urgent need for a united European stance on key security matters, adding that the effectiveness of each step taken by Europe and the US will directly shape the course of the conflict.
“We are coordinating positions and recognize the need for a common European view on crucial security issues,” Zelensky wrote on X/Twitter, underscoring the importance of continued cooperation between Europe and the US to secure lasting security agreements.
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