French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that Russian aggression “knows no borders” and could extend beyond Ukraine, urging Europe to be ready for a future where US support is uncertain.
“I want to believe the US will stay by our side,” Macron said in a televised address. “But we have to be ready if that isn’t the case.”
His speech sought to address growing voter concerns over the war in Ukraine, European security, and economic tensions after Donald Trump paused US military aid to Ukraine and imposed tariffs on EU goods.
“The war in Ukraine, which has left nearly a million dead or injured, continues with the same intensity,” Macron said. He described the world as entering a “new era” of instability, warning that remaining passive would be “madness.”
Reaffirming France’s commitment to Ukraine, he stated that European support must continue until Kyiv can negotiate a solid peace deal. Rejecting any forced settlement, Macron added, “Peace cannot be concluded at any price.”
He also cast doubt on whether Russia would stop at Ukraine, raising concerns about broader security threats. While ruling out immediate European troop deployment, he suggested they could play a role in guaranteeing a future peace agreement.
Macron also announced plans to discuss extending France’s nuclear deterrence to other European nations but emphasized that control would remain with France.
On trade tensions, he criticized Trump’s tariff measures as “incomprehensible” and vowed that Europe would respond while expressing hope for diplomatic resolution.
The address comes ahead of a crucial European summit in Brussels, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with EU leaders. The meeting follows Trump’s sudden halt to military aid for Ukraine, increasing pressure on European nations to take on a greater role.
Macron’s speech underscores Europe’s growing concerns over security and economic challenges as the geopolitical landscape shifts, making self-reliance more urgent than ever.
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