BRATISLAVA: French President Emmanuel Macron called on the Western nations on Wednesday to offer Ukraine “tangible and credible” security guarantees in its conflict with Russia.
Speaking in Bratislava, Macron emphasized that Ukraine is currently defending Europe and highlighted the importance of providing security assurances from NATO.
Macron stated that it is in the West’s interest to offer concrete security guarantees to Ukraine and proposed that various NATO members contribute these assurances while Ukraine awaits full membership in the alliance. He suggested building a security framework between Israel’s level of security and full-fledged NATO membership.
The French President’s remarks were made during his visit to Slovakia, where he participated in a regional security-focused event organized by the think tank Globsec. The event comes ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, scheduled for July 11-12.
Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Awakens NATO
Macron acknowledged that he previously criticized NATO’s effectiveness, describing it as “brain dead,” but noted that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year has awakened the alliance. He stressed the need to support Ukraine’s effective counter-offensive against Russian forces and called for intensified efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region.
Furthermore, Macron urged European Union nations to invest in European arms and enhance their strike capabilities. He emphasized the importance of a European defence initiative within NATO to ensure long-term credibility and the ability to defend Europe autonomously.
On Thursday, Macron is scheduled to visit Moldova, where he will meet with fellow European leaders, including those from outside the European Union.
