Macron Issues Warning to Trump, Putin Ahead of Key Summit

French President Emmanuel Macron made it clear on Wednesday, August 13, that only Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky holds the authority to negotiate any territorial concessions to Russia in the ongoing war.

Speaking to reporters after a call with U.S. President Donald Trump, Macron stressed that Ukraine’s sovereignty and borders remain matters solely for its own leader to decide.

“Territorial questions concerning Ukraine can be, and will be, negotiated only by the Ukrainian president,” Macron stated firmly.

His remarks come as global diplomatic efforts intensify ahead of a high-stakes summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday.

Macron revealed that Trump plans to use the Alaska meeting to push for a ceasefire in Ukraine.

The French leader called this goal “very important” and confirmed that it has France’s full support.

He also noted that Trump aims to pave the way for a future trilateral meeting involving himself, Putin, and Zelensky.

Macron expressed hope that such talks could take place in Europe, preferably in a neutral country acceptable to all sides.

While rumours of potential land-for-peace deals have circulated in recent weeks, Macron dismissed any suggestion that a concrete proposal currently exists.

“There are no serious land swap proposals on the table at this time,” he said, underscoring the speculative nature of such reports.

The comments highlight Macron’s attempt to strike a careful balance backing diplomatic engagement without undermining Ukraine’s control over its own negotiations.

His firm stance aligns with Zelensky’s repeated insistence that Ukraine will not accept territorial concessions as a path to peace.

With the war now in its fourth year, the stakes surrounding Friday’s Trump–Putin talks remain high.

For Macron, the path to peace runs through Kyiv  and only President Zelensky can decide how far Ukraine is willing to go.

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