"Russia is a threat to Europe: Macron"

French President Emmanuel Macron has said that Russia's aggression is "limitless" and poses a direct threat to Europe.
In a speech broadcast on Wednesday night, Macron questioned, "Can we really believe that this Russia will stop at Ukraine?"
His remarks came as European leaders in Brussels prepared for an urgent discussion on transatlantic relations amid the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.





The 27 leaders of the European Union are gathering on Thursday for a defense summit.
This will be the first time European leaders convene for talks following last week's heated exchange between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Washington has stated that Ukraine’s NATO membership is "unrealistic."
They have threatened to withdraw American troops from Europe and are urging their European allies to increase their defense spending.
While attempting to end the Ukraine war, Trump contacted Russian President Vladimir Putin without informing his European allies. In his statements, the U.S. president blamed Ukraine for the war. Meanwhile, the United States has announced plans to halt military aid to Ukraine.
European allies have expressed concern over the U.S.'s shifting stance on Ukraine policy. European leaders are now openly questioning Washington's credibility as a security partner. They fear that any potential agreement to end the war could overlook the interests of both Ukraine and Europe.
In this situation, Macron has warned that Europe must be prepared to stand alone against Russian aggression. He stated, "I want to believe that the United States will stand with us. However, if that is not the case, we must be prepared."





"The future of Europe is not something that should be decided in Washington or Moscow," Macron added.
The French president also announced plans to call a meeting next week with the military chiefs of European nations willing to send troops to Ukraine in the event of a possible peace agreement with Russia.
Furthermore, Macron stated that he would discuss with his European partners the possibility of extending France’s nuclear deterrence capabilities to other European countries. However, he emphasized that any decision and control over this matter would remain entirely in the hands of the French president.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Macron’s televised speech was "highly provocative." He added, "It is clear that France is not thinking about peace."
News24