France to convene chiefs of staff from countries willing to guarantee peace in Ukraine – Macron

Macron made this statement in a televised address to the nation ahead of an extraordinary European summit on the war in Ukraine, Ukrinform reports.

"Next week in Paris, we will gather the chiefs of staff of countries willing to take responsibility in this area. This is a plan for a strong, lasting, and verifiable peace, prepared together with Ukrainians and several other European partners, which I defended in the United States two weeks ago," Macron said.

He expressed hope that the United States will stand alongside Europe in this effort but warned that Europe must be prepared if that is not the case.

"Regardless of whether peace in Ukraine is achieved soon or not, given the Russian threat, European states must be able to defend themselves more effectively and deter any future aggression," he said.

Macron underscored the need for Europe to enhance its military capabilities while remaining committed to NATO and its partnership with the United States.

"The future of Europe should not be decided in Washington or Moscow. And yes, the threat is returning to the East. Tomorrow in Brussels, at the extraordinary meeting of the [European] Council with the 27 heads of state and government, with the participation of the Commission and the Council's President, we will take decisive steps. Several decisions, which France has been proposing for years, will be made," Macron said.

According to him, EU member states will be able to increase military spending without it being counted toward their budget deficits.

"There will be significant joint financing for the procurement and production of some of the most advanced ammunition, tanks, weaponry, and military equipment in Europe," he said.

Photo: LP/Arnaud Journois