Russia has violated the Minsk agreements, so we can no longer take it at its word - Macron
Peace in Ukraine is important for the whole of Europe, and it cannot be concluded "at any price".
This was stated by French President Emmanuel Macron in his address to the nation, Censor.NET reports.
"All initiatives that lead to peace (in Ukraine - Ed.) must be in the right direction. And I welcome these decisions. We will continue to help Ukrainians so that they are in a strong position in negotiations with Russia. So that they can achieve peace on their own terms. This is important for them and for us. Peace cannot be made at any price. Peace must not become a capitulation and destruction of Ukraine. And we cannot accept an unstable truce. We must not forget that after the Russian invasion in 2014, the Minsk agreements were signed, and it was Russia that violated them. The Russians have not honoured their commitments, and we can no longer take them at their word. Ukraine has the right to peace and security. And this is in the interests of the European continent," the French leader stressed.
He also reiterated the possibility of sending European troops to Ukraine: "This does not mean that they will be on the front line. But if a peace agreement is signed, they will be the guarantors of its observance."
"Next week, representatives of European military leaders will gather in Paris to discuss the war in Ukraine. We want to achieve a stable, sustainable, guaranteed peace together with the Ukrainians. And I want to believe that the United States will be on our side, but we need to prepare for what will happen if that is not the case. We need to continue to support Ukraine and deter Russia from further aggression. Whatever happens in the future, we must be prepared for it," Macron concluded.
