The EU wants to increase pressure on MoscowMacron missed Russia’s willingness to reach a ceasefire
The strongly pro-Russian US plans against Ukraine are causing resentment in Europe. The willing coalition is now honing in on the key points. US Secretary of State Rubio was also there. Now the Kremlin must come to the negotiating table.
French President Emmanuel Macron sees no signs from Russia of an end to the war in Ukraine. “Russia is clearly not ready for a ceasefire at the moment,” Macron told reporters after a video conference of the coalition willing to support Ukraine, which has more than 30 members. In his remarks, the Frenchman referred to information from “some participants” who reported at the conference about their “direct exchanges with Russia, especially with President Putin.”
In addition to its reluctance to end the war, Moscow has also shown no “willingness to talk” about US plans for Ukraine. Macron demanded that pressure continue to be put on the Russian leadership so they can start negotiations.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also reiterated that she would maintain pressure on Russia. “As pressure remains the only language Russia uses to respond, we will continue to escalate it until there is a real will to pursue a credible path to peace,” von der Leyen wrote in a post on X after the talks. For the first time, a high-level representative of the US government, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, took part in the group’s meeting via video link.
Delegations from America, Ukraine and several European countries held talks in Geneva on Sunday on America’s proposed 28-point plan to end the war in Ukraine. In its original version, this largely met Moscow’s main demands. According to European information, the changes were achieved during the talks in Geneva.
The coalition wants a larger Ukrainian army
The talks in Geneva showed that “there should be no restrictions” on Ukrainian troops, Macron said. A “strong Ukrainian army” is needed to prevent Russia from attacking again even if there is a peace agreement. Informed sources said the latest draft of Ukraine’s plan now allows Kiev to have a total troop strength of 800,000 – not 600,000 like the first version.
Macron also announced talks with the US and at NATO level to discuss future ceasefire compliance and “monitoring”. The French president said that a working group of “security forces” would be created on Wednesday, which would serve as a “second line of defense” to “strengthen the Ukrainian army” in the event of a deal between Russia and Ukraine. The group will be led by France and Britain, and Türkiye will be closely involved due to its “important role” in the navy.
The aim is to clarify each country’s contribution in the “days ahead” and ultimately determine “security guarantees”. This is “indispensable to negotiating a credible peace” as well as “keeping the pressure on Russia.”
