As reported by Le Monde, Macron was addressing the French military, outlining plans to boost recruitment and grow the country’s armed forces.
In his speech, the president emphasized that rising threats require France to adapt its security policies accordingly. He also unveiled an updated strategic review of the nation's defense priorities and called for a "strategic awakening" across Europe.
Macron introduced a plan to mobilize young French to volunteer to join the armed forces if needed. He pointed out that the growing dangers linked to Russia's war against Ukraine require readiness for new challenges.
"Let's not delude ourselves; the war in Ukraine will not end tomorrow or the day after," Macron said.
Macron stressed that peace and security in Europe are impossible without the involvement of Europeans themselves and their mutual agreements.
“The challenge today is to enable Ukraine to withstand and enter any future negotiations [with Russia] from a position of strength,” he added.
“The task tomorrow, when hostilities cease, will be to provide Ukraine with guarantees against any return to war on its territory, as well as guarantees of our own security.”
On Jan. 16, Macron and UK PM Keir Starmer discussed the possibility of deploying troops to Ukraine as a peacekeeping contingent after a ceasefire is in place.