Ukraine: Macron discusses “prospects” for “long-term” peace with Biden

French President Emmanuel Macron discussed with his US counterpart Joe Biden the “prospects” for the “return of peace in Europe” in the “long term” while reaffirming support for Ukraine against Russia, the French president said in a press release on Wednesday.

In a phone call on Tuesday, the two leaders “reaffirmed their commitment to provide Ukraine with the necessary military support to repel Russian aggression,” the statement said.

The French head of state “discussed with his American representative at length the prospects for the return of peace in Europe”. “The two presidents specifically discussed security guarantees that could be offered to Ukraine in this context,” it added in Paris, without further details.

This is the red thread of French diplomacy regarding the offensive launched by Moscow a year ago: ultimately finding a negotiated solution between the Ukrainians and the Russians around a table. Emmanuel Macron has often drawn criticism from those who believe it is premature to talk about talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, particularly from Kiev and countries in Eastern Europe.

Since the beginning of the year, Mr. Macron insisted on helping Ukraine “until victory” and on his desire to lead to the “defeat” of Russia, although he did not abandon his focus on preparing the conditions for future peace.

According to the French president, the leaders of the two allies discussed US industrial policy, which Emmanuel Macron considers “super aggressive” towards Europe during his visit to Washington at the end of 2022. The latter “welcomed the continuation of the exchanges”, “taking into account the impact” that accelerates the energy transition of the US’s massive program in European countries. The US also said it was “committed to closely coordinate” its policies in this area.

The US president and his French counterpart discussed their “cooperation” in the “Indo-Pacific region” and “shared efforts to overcome the challenges the People’s Republic of China poses to the international order”, its role pointed out. The White House in its press release.