French President Emmanuel Macron has called for extensive European consultations to define the future security architecture on the continent and the rules for coexistence with Russia. He made this initiative known to the leaders of countries during the Munich Security Conference.
This is reported by Kyiv24
The Need for New Approaches to European Security
Macron emphasized that even if a peace agreement regarding Ukraine is reached, Europe will remain a neighbor to a “non-reformed, aggressive Russia.” In his view, no conflict resolution should occur without the active participation of European countries.
“You can negotiate without Europeans if you prefer, but it will not bring peace to the negotiating table,” he stated.
The French president also announced his intention to establish a direct communication channel with Russia, acting transparently for Ukraine, European partners, and American allies. He stressed that Europe must protect its own interests, especially regarding strategic stability.
Issues of Arms Control and Sanction Pressure
Macron outlined a number of challenges facing Europe, including the deployment of long-range missiles near its borders and Russia’s interference in the affairs of neighboring states. The French president paid particular attention to arms control issues in light of the development of new technologies, particularly drones.
He also noted that several security issues in the past were resolved without the involvement of Europeans, or relevant treaties were broken without their coordination. Macron called for changing this practice and starting a unified consultation process that encompasses all of Europe. According to him, this issue has already been discussed with the leaders of the United Kingdom and Germany, but the dialogue needs to be broader.
Separately, the French president emphasized the need to intensify sanction pressure on Moscow. The European Union is preparing its 20th sanctions package, focused on the energy and financial sectors. Macron highlighted the effectiveness of measures against Russia’s “shadow fleet”: according to him, Russia’s oil revenues have already decreased by 25%, and most of the vessels that were sanctioned are not returning to Russian ports.
He noted that a systematic approach to controlling the “shadow fleet” is an effective tool for pressuring Russia’s war economy.
Macron’s statement came against the backdrop of trilateral negotiations between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia aimed at ending the war, in which European representatives were not involved. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for February 17-18 in Geneva.
In December of last year, Emmanuel Macron had already emphasized that if the current American mediation efforts to resolve the war in Ukraine fail, Europeans will have to resume direct negotiations with Vladimir Putin.
It is also known that in early February, Macron’s diplomatic advisor visited Moscow, where he held talks with Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov. The main topic of the meeting was dialogue on key issues, primarily regarding the situation in Ukraine.