Macron: Europe Needs to Strengthen Its Power and Support Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that Europe is ready to show its strength, emphasizing that ending the war in Ukraine cannot be achieved by yielding to Russia's demands, but by increasing pressure on it.

Macron added that peace in Ukraine requires active participation from Europeans in negotiations, urging the continent to reduce its dependence on others and build independent defense systems to become a true geopolitical power.

He affirmed that Europe will remain a reliable partner to the United States while maintaining mutual respect, stressing at the same time his country's commitment to defending Ukraine against Russian aggression.