French President Emmanuel Macron said the United States has changed its position in the Ukrainian war.
"You are rightly concerned about the historical events taking place. The United States of America has changed its position in the Ukrainian war. The United States of America intends to impose tariffs on Europe. Finally, the terrorist threat is returning. We are entering a new era," he said.
The French president stressed that Russia has turned the conflict into a "global conflict."
"Russia has become a threat to France and Europe. The path to peace cannot be without Ukraine, at the behest of Russia or with the capitulation of Ukraine," he said.
Macron says Russia plans to expand its army by 2030, adding 3,000 tanks and 300 fighter jets.
"Who can believe that Russia will stop? "Being a spectator in the face of this global threat is madness," he warned.
He added that European states must be better able to defend themselves or deter further actions.
"We must strengthen our defenses. The future of Europe should not be decided in Washington or Moscow. France will gather the chiefs of staff of several countries to discuss the possible deployment of a European contingent in Ukraine," the French president said.
Macron stressed that he would initiate strategic discussions with European allies on extending France's nuclear umbrella to the entire EU.
"Whatever agreement we reach, the final decision will belong to the French president, the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces," he concluded, expressing hope that they can convince Trump to join them.
