According to French President Emmanuel Macron, the West must also address Russia’s security needs in peace negotiations to end the Ukraine war. Europe must prepare a new security architecture, Macron said in an interview on French television.
He also referred to repeated complaints by Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding NATO expansion. The interview broadcast today was recorded by broadcaster TF1 during Macron’s visit to the US over the past few days, according to broadcaster TF1.
Between protection and security
“One of the key issues that we need to address, as President Putin has always said, is the fear of NATO closing in on Russia’s doors and the deployment of weapons that might threaten Russia,” Macron said.
“This issue will be part of the issues for peace. Therefore, we need to work out what we are prepared to do, how to protect our partners and member states, and how to give guarantees to Russia once it returns to the negotiating table.”
Russia-US talks?
Russia and the United States had once more announced their willingness to hold talks this week. However, US President Joe Biden had stated as a condition that Putin would show willingness to end the war.
Russia annexed the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea in 2014 and began attacking other parts of Ukraine on February 24. Ukraine has said negotiations are only possible if Russia withdraws its troops from the country.