Macron noted that it is important for European countries to find an approach to negotiations with Moscow that aligns with their interests.
He added: "Long-term peace can be achieved through current negotiations, or we will find ways to resume dialogue with Russia while cooperating with Ukraine."
According to the French president, "it is important to start talking to Vladimir Putin again." Otherwise, as he emphasized, European leaders will have to communicate with each other and with representatives of the United States, who will then discuss issues with Moscow without Europe’s involvement, which he described as "not ideal."
Macron's remarks came shortly after the conclusion of lengthy 16-hour negotiations among EU leaders. The summit also discussed the issue of 200 billion euros frozen in the Central Bank of Russia; however, no agreement was reached on their confiscation.
As a result of the summit, a decision was made to provide Ukraine with a zero-interest reparations loan of 90 billion euros through borrowing, without using Russia's sovereign assets.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz clarified that Ukraine will only be required to repay this loan if Russia pays compensation. He also stated that the EU reserves the right to use frozen Russian assets on its territory to repay the loan if payments from Moscow do not follow.
