French President Emmanuel Macron issued a sharp warning Tuesday, declaring that any peace deal ending the war in Ukraine must not force Kyiv into “capitulation.” His remarks come as the United States pushes a new proposal aimed at stopping Russia’s invasion, a plan Macron says contains “elements worth discussing” — but also serious risks.
“We want peace,” Macron told RTL radio. “But not a peace that is essentially a surrender, that would put Ukraine in an impossible situation and give Russia full freedom to continue, even into other European countries.”
The U.S. framework has been described as a step “in the right direction,” offering negotiable points that could shape future talks. Macron acknowledged that the proposal provides insight into what Moscow may accept, suggesting potential room for diplomacy.
However, he drew a clear red line: only Ukraine can decide the terms.
“Ukrainians are the only ones who can agree to the conditions,” Macron emphasized. “No one can tell them what territorial concessions they should make.”
The French leader’s comments highlight growing divisions within Western allies over how to pursue peace while preventing Russian gains.