The French leader expressed his support for Zelensky, calling him a legitimate president, and commented on the prospects for peace, reports Politeka.net.
According to BFMTV, Emmanuel Macron took to his social media to advocate for the creation of a joint EU defense plan that includes funding to increase the procurement and production of weapons for Ukraine. The French president stated that Europe needs to raise its defense spending as current levels do not meet modern threats.
"All countries on the front lines spend 4 or 5% of their GDP, while we are at the level of 2%. We had such figures in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, during the Cold War," he added, as reported by Politeka.
Macron also stated that military victory alone is insufficient for Ukraine to achieve stability. He believes the country requires a long-term peace that will ensure not only security but also the opportunity for Kyiv to restore its economy and territorial integrity. Security guarantees, which France is ready to provide, are particularly important.
In response to criticism from Donald Trump, who labeled him a "dictator," Macron reminded that Zelensky is a legitimate leader elected in free elections, unlike Putin, whose authoritarian regime manipulates elections and persecutes opponents. Macron also emphasized the importance of France and the U.S. acting together against the threats posed by Russia.
"You cannot be weak against Putin. It’s not you, it’s not your concept, it’s not in your interest. If you are weak against Putin, how can you stand up to China?" – Macron concluded.
Source: bfmtv.