The joint promise comes after Russia's President Vladimir Putin in a phone call with US President Donald Trump called for a "complete stop" to the military support to Ukraine from the West.
We are both in agreement that Ukraine can count on us, that Ukraine can count on Europe and that we will not betray Kyiv, says Scholz at a press conference in Berlin.
Putin and Trump agreed during their call on a pause in the Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Scholz says that the halt in attacks can be a first step towards a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. The next step must be "a total ceasefire – as soon as possible", he says.
Macron, on the other hand, says that the goal must remain a controllable and fully respected ceasefire.
It is obvious that this is not possible without the Ukrainians sitting at the negotiating table, he says.
Sweden's Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M) says in a live broadcast of Swedish Radio's USA podcast that one "must have talks" but that Ukraine must be involved.
No agreements over Ukraine's head. It is absolutely crucial, he says to the radio and also emphasizes that Sweden will continue with its support.
The Social Democrats' party leader Magdalena Andersson criticizes Trump's and Putin's conversation in the same podcast.
It seems to be mostly about Russia getting territories and the US getting minerals. It will not provide any stable peace that creates security and safety in Europe.
