Unexpected Move.. Macron Urges Europeans to Talk to Putin
Macron urges Europeans to start dialogue with Putin and supports 90 billion euros funding for Ukraine.
SUMMARY
French President Emmanuel Macron called on Europeans to engage in transparent dialogue with Russia following the EU's announcement of financial support worth 90 billion euros to Ukraine for 2026-2027, with agreement on financing Ukraine using frozen Russian assets. He also referenced potential U.S.-Russia diplomatic talks in Florida.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Macron calls on Europeans to start a full and transparent dialogue with Russia.
- European Union approves 90 billion euros support for Ukraine for 2026-2027.
- Use of frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine instead of joint borrowing.
- Kremlin envoy to travel to Florida to discuss U.S. plan to end the war.
CORE SUBJECT
Macron's call for European-Russian dialogue and Ukraine funding
French President Emmanuel Macron considered on Friday that it is beneficial for Europeans to engage in dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
After the announcement of the European Union providing support worth 90 billion euros to Ukraine, Macron called for finding ways to initiate a full and transparent dialogue with Moscow.
Macron said: "In the coming weeks, we must find the ways and means for Europeans, within the appropriate framework, to re-engage in a full and transparent dialogue with Russia."
What happened?
European Council President Antonio Costa said on Friday that approval was given to provide support worth 90 billion euros to Ukraine for the period between 2026 and 2027.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk had said that EU leaders agreed at a summit in Brussels on Thursday to work on the option of financing Ukraine in 2026 and 2027 by using frozen Russian assets instead of resorting to joint borrowing from bloc countries.
Tusk added to reporters, "We are definitely seeking a breakthrough, which means everyone agrees that it is worth trying and that using Russian assets for Ukraine will be justified and good for Europe. But some countries will continue to push until the end to ensure the greatest possible guarantees for their interests."
Of the total frozen Russian assets in the EU following the start of the Russian military operation in Ukraine in 2022, amounting to 210 billion euros, 185 billion euros are held in the Central Securities Depository of Euroclear in Belgium. Therefore, Belgium fears being a target of retaliatory action from Russia if it agrees to release those funds under the EU plan.
According to a U.S. official, a Kremlin envoy will head to the U.S. state of Florida to discuss a plan proposed by the United States to end the war in Ukraine, as part of reciprocal diplomacy amid the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump pushing for a potential agreement.
KEYWORDS
MENTIONED ENTITIES 9
Emmanuel Macron
👤 Person_MaleFrench President
Vladimir Putin
👤 Person_MaleRussian President
European Union
🏛️ OrganizationEuropean international bloc
Antonio Costa
👤 Person_MalePresident of the European Council
Donald Tusk
👤 Person_MalePolish Prime Minister
Belgium
📍 Location_CountryEuropean country hosting the Central Securities Depository
Kremlin
🏛️ OrganizationSeat of the Russian government
Florida
📍 Location_CityU.S. state hosting diplomatic discussions
Donald Trump
👤 Person_MaleFormer U.S. President
NOTABLE QUOTES 2
"In the coming weeks, we must find the ways and means for Europeans, within the appropriate framework, to re-engage in a full and transparent dialogue with Russia."
Context: Macron's call to start European-Russian dialogue
"We are definitely seeking a breakthrough, which means everyone agrees that it is worth trying and that using Russian assets for Ukraine will be justified and good for Europe. But some countries will continue to push until the end to ensure the greatest possible guarantees for their interests."
Context: Statements on financing Ukraine using frozen Russian assets