French President Calls on Europe to Increase Defense Spending

Speaking to French troops at the Cesson-Sevigne base in the northwest of the country, President Macron assessed that the conflict in Ukraine is unlikely to end soon, despite the pledges of new US President Donald Trump. The French leader said that the expected changes in Washington's foreign policy are an opportunity for the "Old Continent" to have a clearer strategic perspective and that the European Union (EU) needs to be ready to adapt to the changing geopolitical situation.

President Macron also asked the French government and armed forces to propose a plan to mobilize human resources to support security and defense operations if necessary. He emphasized that he would amend the regulations on compulsory military and civilian service to build this reserve force.

In addition, President Macron affirmed that Ukraine needs to receive long-term support to have a solid position for future peace negotiations. After the conflict in Ukraine ends, Kiev also needs to be guaranteed that there will be no further military operations on its territory and European countries need to "play a full role" in this process.

The French President's statement came as his US counterpart repeatedly mentioned that aid packages to Ukraine increase the tax burden on the people of the "land of the stars and stripes". Mr. Trump wants to shift part of that financial burden to European countries and pledges to quickly end the conflict in Ukraine through peace negotiations.

Last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had discussed with Mr Macron the possibility of deploying Western troops in Ukraine in the event of a peace deal to end the current conflict.