Macron proposes four-way Ukraine meeting with Europe involvement
He said the idea of a trilateral meeting - involving the United States, Russia and Ukraine - is 'very important, because this is the only way to fix it', but suggested Europe should also be involved, without specifying who should speak for Europe.
'As a follow up, we would need the quadrilateral meeting, because when we speak about security guarantees, we speak about the whole security of the European continent,' Macron said, according to a press pool transcript of the meeting. 'This is why we are all united here with Ukraine.'
Monday's meeting at the White House was also attended by the leaders of Britain, Germany, Italy, Finland, the European Union and NATO, who traveled to Washington to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine and push for strong security guarantees for the country in any post-war settlement. - Reuters
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
French President Macron calls Putin ‘predator' and ‘ogre at our gates', warns Europe against trusting him
PARIS, Aug 19 — French President Emmanuel Macron today warned European allies not to trust Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he called 'an ogre at our gates'. Macron's remarks came as Russian and Ukrainian presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky looked set for a peace summit after fast-moving talks yesterday between Donald Trump and European leaders that focused on the key issue of long-term security guarantees for Kyiv. 'Putin has rarely honoured his commitments,' Macron told the LCI broadcaster. 'He has constantly been a force for destabilisation. He has sought to redraw borders to increase his power.' Macron said he did not believe that Russia would 'return to peace and a democratic system from one day to the next'. Putin, 'including for his own survival, needs to keep eating', Macron said. 'That means he is a predator, an ogre at our gates.' This did not mean that France would 'come under attack tomorrow', Macron said, 'but of course this is a threat to Europe (…) let's not be naive.' — AFP
Free Malaysia Today
an hour ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Suits, smiles define new Ukraine talks
On a largely directionless day in Asian markets, European equity futures traded higher. (AFP pic) LONDON : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy dressed for success in his latest meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House. Trump complimented Zelenskiy on his black suit in a briefing punctuated with smiles and laughter. It was a much different scene than their chilly meeting in February, when the Ukrainian president's military-style attire in the Oval Office drew ire. Zelenskiy declared it 'the best of our meetings,' and Trump said the US would help guarantee Ukraine's security in any deal to end Russia's hostility there. Whether it was the suit or just growing desperation to end a war that has cast a shadow over the region for more than three years, enthusiasm was contagious. Nato secretary general Mark Rutte said Trump's meeting with Zelenskiy and other European and Nato partners was very successful. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said his expectations for the gathering were 'exceeded'. Even Russia joined in, with special envoy for investment and economic cooperation Kirill Dmitriev calling yesterday an 'important day of diplomacy'. On a largely directionless day in Asian markets, European equity futures traded higher. Pan-region Euro Stoxx 50 futures, German DAX futures, and FTSE contracts were all up about 0.2%. While traders keep one eye on geopolitical developments, the other will be focused on the Federal Reserve's (Fed) Aug 21-23 Jackson Hole symposium. Chair Jerome Powell is due to speak on the economic outlook and the central bank's policy framework at the annual gathering. Money markets reflect an 83.6% chance of a quarter-point rate cut at the Fed's meeting on Sept 17, according to CME FedWatch. Fed governor Michelle Bowman, one of two dissenting voices favouring a rate cut at last month's meeting, is due to speak today. Key developments that could influence markets today include Home Depot's Q2 results, US housing starts and building permits for July, Canada's July consumer price index, debt sales of German 5-year notes and British 10-year gilts, a speech by Fed vice chair Michelle Bowman at the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium 2025, and the Riksbank's monetary policy meeting.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
UN debates Lebanon peacekeeping force withdrawal amid tensions
UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations Security Council began debating a French-drafted resolution to extend the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon for one year while preparing for its eventual withdrawal. Israel and the US reportedly oppose renewing the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), raising uncertainty over Washington's support due to its veto power. A US State Department spokesperson declined to comment on ongoing negotiations regarding UNIFIL, deployed since 1978 to maintain peace between Lebanon and Israel. The draft resolution, first reported by Reuters, proposes extending UNIFIL's mandate until August 31, 2026, while outlining plans for its phased withdrawal. Withdrawal would require Lebanon's government to become the sole security provider in the south and a political agreement between conflicting parties. Following a recent ceasefire, Lebanon's army has begun deploying in the south and dismantling Hezbollah's military infrastructure. Lebanon's cabinet has tasked its military with formulating a plan to disarm Hezbollah by year-end, though the Iran-backed group resists such efforts. Despite the truce, Israel maintains forces in strategic Lebanese areas and continues cross-border strikes, heightening tensions. Israeli troops have also clashed with UN peacekeepers during patrols in contested zones. The draft resolution urges intensified diplomacy to resolve disputes over the Lebanon-Israel border demarcation. The 15-member Security Council will vote on the resolution by August 25 before UNIFIL's current mandate expires. - AFP
