Zelenskyy says he had 'long' call with Macron on security guarantees for Ukraine

WASHINGTON

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday that he spoke by phone with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on various issues.

"I just had a long conversation with President of France @EmmanuelMacron following his meeting today with other European leaders to discuss the global situation, the state of affairs in Europe, and security guarantees for Ukraine," Zelenskyy said on X.

The security guarantees must be "robust and reliable," he said.

"Any other decision without such guarantees—such as a fragile ceasefire—would only serve as another deception by Russia and a prelude to a new Russian war against Ukraine or other European nations," Zelenskyy added.

He said Macron briefed him on his talks with other leaders.

'Russia must end its aggression'

Macron and US President Donald Trump held a "friendly call" Monday on the Ukraine war, an upcoming meeting of European nations and talks in Saudi Arabia between US and Russian officials, according to the White House.

"We agreed to stay in constant contact as major decisions are being made. Ensuring a robust and lasting peace is a must. And that can only be achieved through strong security guarantees," Zelenskyy said.

Macron said after bringing together several European leaders that he had separately spoken with Trump and Zelenskyy.

"We seek a strong and lasting peace in Ukraine. To achieve this, Russia must end its aggression, and this must be accompanied by strong and credible security guarantees for the Ukrainians.

"Otherwise, there is a risk that this ceasefire will end up like the Minsk agreements," he said on X.

Europeans, Americans and Ukrainians will work together to achieve this, Macron said.

"This is the key. We are convinced that Europeans must invest better, more, and together in their security and defense—both for today and for the future," he added.