Asger Risom
French president urges continued pressure on Russia despite hopes for a ceasefire.
Diplomatic efforts to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia gained renewed momentum after a high-profile meeting at the Vatican, but French President Emmanuel Macron is urging caution. While the gathering of world leaders fueled optimism, Macron emphasized that lasting peace hinges on Moscow’s willingness to engage.
A Diplomatic Turning Point
Following the meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Vatican, Macron stated in an interview with Paris Match that he is “pleased that pressure has once again been put on Russia,” as reported by Digi24.
Despite this progress, Macron warned, “We must remain prudent,” highlighting that a significant part of the equation still depends on the Kremlin’s response. The four-way conversation quickly evolved into a bilateral meeting between Trump and Zelensky, with images of the two leaders in intense discussion circulating widely on social media.
Building Momentum for Peace
While expressing hope for a ceasefire supported by the United States, Ukraine, and European allies, Macron underlined that “the next eight to ten days will be crucial” for intensifying diplomatic pressure on Moscow. He insisted that it was important “not only to pressure Ukraine,” referencing the “difficult episode in the Oval Office” when Trump and Zelensky clashed publicly.
Macron believes he successfully “convinced the Americans” of the risks of escalation and the potential need for further sanctions against Russia. Stressing the importance of balanced diplomacy, he stated, “It is up to all of us to create the conditions for a solid and lasting peace.”
As diplomatic channels remain active, Macron’s message is clear: hope is not enough without concrete commitments, particularly from Russia.