He also warned that a peace agreement based on capitulation would be “bad news for everyone,” including the United States.
"The only question at this stage is whether President Putin is sincerely, sustainably, and convincingly willing to agree to a ceasefire on this basis," he said.
"After that, it is up to the Ukrainians to negotiate with Russia."
At the same time, Macron aligned with the Trump administration’s stance that Europe should bear primary responsibility for Ukraine’s security. He attributed this shift to a generational change and the bipartisan U.S. pivot from Europe to Asia in foreign policy priorities.
He noted that Trump has created a “window of opportunity” for a diplomatic resolution, in which each party has a role to play.
According to Macron, the U.S. role is to "restart dialogue" and take initiative, as Trump has introduced an “element of strategic disruption.” Meanwhile, Zelenskyy will negotiate territorial and sovereignty issues independently.
"The international community, with a special role for Europeans, must discuss security guarantees and, more broadly, the security framework for the entire region," Macron added.
"That is where we must play our part."
Trump-Putin talks
On Feb. 12, Trump held a phone call with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. According to Trump, they agreed to start negotiations immediately and arrange mutual visits. He also claimed that he and Putin “want to stop millions of deaths.”
Following the call with Putin, Trump spoke with Zelenskyy, discussing potential peace efforts, Ukraine-U.S. cooperation, and a future security and economic agreement.
That same day, Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, said that Zelenskyy and Trump agreed to “immediately begin the work of their teams” to end the war.
Later, Trump declared that both Zelenskyy and Putin “want peace” and suggested a potential meeting with Putin in Saudi Arabia. He also downplayed the likelihood of Ukraine joining NATO or restoring its 2014 borders.
On Feb. 13, Trump wrote on Truth Social that his talks with Ukraine and Russia were “great” and claimed there was a “good chance” to end the war.