French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a stark warning to world leaders, declaring that Russia will “betray its promises and return” if Ukraine is pressured into downsizing its military under a U.S.-backed proposal put forward by President Donald Trump.
The comments came during a tense G20 summit in South Africa, where European leaders united in rejecting Washington’s one-sided peace plan.
Europe Pushes Back Against U.S. Proposal
According to Macron, the American plan — seen as heavily favorable to Moscow — would leave Ukraine dangerously exposed.
“We know that without elements of deterrence, the Russians will come back and violate their promises,” Macron told reporters.
European leaders made clear they will not support a deal that forces Kyiv into concessions or weakens its ability to defend itself. The message: no peace built on surrender.
A Coalition of 30 Nations Moves Into Action
Macron revealed that a group of 30 pro-Ukraine nations, described as a “community of the willing,” will hold a high-level video conference on Tuesday to coordinate their response to Trump’s proposal.
The meeting follows negotiations in Geneva, where diplomats discussed the U.S. plan and its implications for European security.
“On Tuesday afternoon we will meet to coordinate on this issue, assess the progress made in the Geneva talks over the next few days, and adopt new initiatives,” Macron said on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg.
A Battle Over the Future of European Security
For France and its allies, forcing Ukraine to reduce its military strength would send a disastrous message — not only to Russia, but to every authoritarian state watching the war.
Macron underscored that deterrence is the only way to prevent future aggression and ensure any peace deal is respected.
As global powers clash over competing visions for ending the war, Europe is signaling that it will not back a deal that compromises Ukraine’s sovereignty or rewards Russian aggression.