Macron was cautiously optimistic after his meeting with the US President on Monday.
First, we reach a ceasefire. I believe it can happen in the coming weeks, said Macron in an interview with Fox News after the meeting in Washington.
A ceasefire in the air, at sea, and for infrastructure. If it is not respected, it would be the best evidence that Russia does not mean business.
The message to Trump, who has initiated talks with Russia, was according to Macron to be on his guard.
Be cautious. For we need something substantial, for Ukraine but also for European security.
If Russia breaks the agreement
During the ceasefire, negotiations on how to guarantee a sustainable peace will begin, according to Macron.
During this period, we will negotiate security guarantees. As well as land and territories, which will be the responsibility of the Ukrainian President, and about reconstruction. The US will get its agreement on critical minerals.
On a direct question about whether Macron is okay with the US signing a mineral agreement with Ukraine, he replied:
Yes, and I believe it is very important because it is one of the best ways to keep the US engaged in Ukraine's sovereignty.
A ceasefire can end in an agreement on a peace treaty. But then it also requires that the US and European leaders agree on what happens if Russia breaks the agreement, emphasizes Macron.
American "deterrent"
He does not rule out peacekeeping forces in Ukraine from other European countries. But it also assumes an American "deterrent" – that the US in some way deters Russia from attacking the forces, he stresses.
I believe this is very important and that is what we have worked on in detail today.
According to Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin is ready to accept European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine – something the Russian President previously categorically rejected.
He will accept it. I asked him that question, said Trump during a press conference after the meeting with Macron.
He has no problem with it.
