By: Buhle Mbhele
French President Emmanuel Macron has reiterated that a ceasefire is a necessary condition for any meaningful negotiations to end the war between Ukraine and Russia.
His remarks contrast with those of United States President Donald Trump, who said a ceasefire in Ukraine is not essential and that a peace deal could still be negotiated while fighting continues.
The differing views emerged after a high-level meeting at the White House on Monday, where Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky along with several European leaders to discuss the ongoing conflict and prospects for a resolution.
Macron emphasised that the most important outcome of the meeting was the United States’ commitment to developing long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. He said this would provide the foundation for future stability and reconstruction efforts, should a peace agreement be reached.
The war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, has entered its fourth year, with no comprehensive ceasefire in place despite mounting international pressure.
While fighting has slowed on some fronts, Russian forces continue to occupy parts of eastern and southern Ukraine, and sporadic attacks on civilian and infrastructure targets have persisted.
Macron and other European leaders are pushing for a united diplomatic approach, insisting that a halt to hostilities is essential for productive negotiations. The White House has not indicated whether it will reconsider its position on the ceasefire condition.
