President Emmanuel Macron:
"Today there is no discussion about peace. Today there is a discussion between the United States of America and Russia. And if I'm correctly informed, Russia has invaded Ukraine. Ukraine is not at the negotiating table. If Russia backs down, if Russia commits to a cease-fire in Europe, then we will see what the security guarantees will be. Then Ukraine, a sovereign country, will have the right to determine for herself what she needs for security. So we are going to proceed in the right order.
We need to strengthen the European pillar, there is no other way. All we have to do is equip ourselves, arm ourselves and build a real European deterrent force to ensure peace in Europe, which is our goal."
President Emmanuel Macron:
"I am not in his [Putin's] head. I think the first thing we have to do is show our commitment. To show that we are determined to support Ukraine in her resistance.
And secondly, to show that we are trustworthy on the day of signing the peace, so that this peace is strong and protected. When it comes to security guarantees, everything we do is aimed at protecting peace. Europeans are not belligerent states.
In turn, Europe wants to protect peace on the Ukrainian land, on the eastern flank of the continent, as well as to protect peace in Europe and keep us from being attacked. If we are credible in this approach, I think it is a strong incentive for president Putin, a man who thinks through everything in detail."