French President Emmanuel Macron has called for unity between Europe, the United States and Ukraine, warning that a weak stance towards Russia could pave the way for new conflicts in the future.
The statements were made after the Coalition of Volunteers summit, which was also attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reports Corriere della Sera.
"There is only one country that proposes a peace that would be equivalent to capitulation, and that is Russia. But if we are weak against it today, we are preparing tomorrow's conflicts," Macron said.
He added that "we cannot side with the law of the strongest," emphasizing that such an international order would no longer be based on law, but on force.
Macron stressed that Putin's demands that undermine Kiev's territorial integrity are unacceptable.
The French leader reiterated that the goal is a solid and lasting peace, which must be preceded by the release of prisoners and innocents and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.
On the eve of Zelensky's visit to Washington, Macron announced that European leaders would seek clarification from US President Donald Trump on security guarantees for Ukraine.
"I want to be very clear about the guarantees we want, about the next steps and about how the next meetings with Putin, the US, Ukraine and the Europeans will be organized," he said at the opening of the video conference of European leaders.
Macron stressed that security for Kiev must be strong, adding that there can be no territorial discussions without the full participation of the Ukrainian leadership.
"All work within the Coalition of the Willing is done for a just and lasting peace, and on this there can be no division between the US, Europe and Ukraine," he concluded.