Macron emphasized the importance of a unified stance among Europeans, Ukrainians, and Americans on peace negotiations and security issues, contrasting Putin's approach with his own belief that US President Donald Trump seeks peace.

The issue of security guarantees is central to potential peace negotiations, aiming to prevent future Russian attacks on Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not want peace and is aiming for Ukraine's capitulation, based on his remarks during a video conference with European leaders.

The upcoming meeting in Washington aims to promote a strong peace, ensure Ukrainian territorial discussions involve elected Ukrainian representatives, and address security guarantees, particularly concerning Ukraine's military structure.

He plans to travel to Washington on August 19 with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and other European leaders to discuss ending Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

He expressed skepticism about proposals to give Ukraine protections similar to NATO's without full membership, emphasizing the need for substantive security guarantees.

Macron highlighted that European interests will be defended during upcoming talks and warned that reducing the size of the Russian military could lead to future conflicts, emphasizing that weakness in confronting Russia today could cause unrest tomorrow.

Macron stressed that any territorial discussions regarding Ukraine must include Ukrainian input and that European security cannot be discussed without considering Ukrainian perspectives.

Macron made these remarks during a visit to Fort Brégançon after a videoconference with Ukrainian allies.

He also plans to discuss the potential reduction of the Russian military size, citing it as a factor of global instability and warning that weakness towards Russia could lead to future conflicts.

The objectives of the Washington visit include reaffirming unity among Europeans, Ukrainians, and Americans in seeking peace and ensuring Ukrainian perspectives are central in territorial negotiations.