A nuclear shield for Europe: Macron made a loud statement
5 March 2025 23:31
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a discussion on the possibility of Paris using nuclear weapons to protect the entire European Union. He said this during a speech broadcast on the Elysee Palace’s YouTube channel, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports citing The Guardian.
“I have decided to launch a strategic debate on the defense of our allies on the European continent with our nuclear weapons. But whatever happens, the decision will always remain with the President of the Republic,” Macron said.
Macron said that Russia cannot be taken at its word.
“We cannot forget that Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in 2014, and we agreed to a ceasefire under the Minsk agreements,” he said.
Macron said France would continue to meet with allies to sign a “lasting, lasting peace agreement.”
He said he was working with European partners and Ukraine on this plan.
“I want to believe that the United States will be on our side, but we have to be prepared for the possibility that it will not,” he said.
According to him, Russia has become a threat not only to Ukraine, but also to France and Europe for many years to come. Macron predicted that by 2030, Russia plans to mobilize an additional 3 million soldiers and add 4,000 more tanks to its arsenal. In this regard, he emphasized the need to strengthen France’s own defense capabilities.
“Our cooperation with the United States is important, but we need to strengthen our independence, especially when it comes to our security. We must increase our defense contributions, and we have decided to increase funding for the production of tanks and helicopters in Europe. I have asked the government to provide this funding,” Macron said.
In his address, the French president assured that Paris would continue to help Kyiv to have a strong position during the upcoming negotiations with Russia. Macron also emphasized that peace should not be made through Ukraine’s capitulation.
“We need to defend peace in Ukraine… Perhaps, in the end, we will also have to involve European troops. This does not mean that they will fight directly at the front, but it does mean that if a peace agreement is signed, they will become guarantors of peace,” he said.
Kyiv-Washington talks: what you need to know about them
At the beginning of 2025, diplomatic relations between the United States and Ukraine experienced significant turbulence, accompanied by controversial negotiations, the suspension of military aid, and renewed efforts toward peace talks. These developments have affected not only bilateral ties but also the broader geopolitical landscape, including the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
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The February 28 meeting: a turning point
on February 28, 2025, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US President Donald Trump at the White House. The agenda included a discussion of a proposed agreement on mining rights and a strategy for resolving the conflict with Russia. However, the meeting turned into an emotional dispute, which led to the Ukrainian delegation’s quick departure from Washington and the cancellation of the planned agreements. Experts point out that disagreements over security guarantees and the terms of the mining deal were the main reasons for the disagreement.
Suspension of military assistance and intelligence sharing
After the failed meeting, US President Donald Trump announced an indefinite suspension of all US military assistance to Ukraine, citing concerns about Ukraine’s commitment to the peace process. The suspension covered more than $1 billion worth of arms and ammunition, including advanced defense systems that are critical to Ukraine’s military operations. In addition, the US stopped sharing intelligence with Kyiv, further weakening Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s reaction and renewed peace initiatives
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly expressed regret over the failed meeting, calling it “regrettable” and reaffirming Ukraine’s readiness for peace talks. He emphasized the urgency of achieving a lasting and just peace and expressed his readiness to work to this end under President Trump’s leadership. Zelenskyy also reiterated Ukraine’s readiness to sign an agreement on mining rights, viewing it as a step toward strengthening security and economic stability.
International reaction and European engagement
The suspension of U.S. aid to Ukraine has provoked a mixed international reaction. European leaders expressed concern about the potential consequences for regional security and reaffirmed their support for Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was criticized for proposing to relax debt rules to increase defense spending, reflecting a heightened sense of urgency among European countries. European Union officials are also planning to discuss proposals for defense spending to strengthen regional security in light of the change in US policy.
Prospects for resumption of aid and future negotiations
The U.S. administration has indicated that the suspension of aid and intelligence sharing could be lifted if Ukraine demonstrates a genuine commitment to peace talks. Vice President J.D. Vance emphasized the importance of private discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials to facilitate meaningful progress toward a peaceful resolution. He suggested that such engagement could lead to the resumption of military assistance and the formalization of an agreement on mineral rights.
