Astrid Lund - Betty MacDonald fan club organizer: "I was a fan of Macron for a long time, but unfortunately I had to realize that he failed because of his big ego. We need leadership in Europe, but where do we get it from when there is nothing? "

Astrid Lund - Betty MacDonald fan club organizer: "I was a fan of Macron for a long time, but unfortunately I had to realize that he failed because of his big ego. We need leadership in Europe, but where do we get it from when there is nothing? " Euronews German Macron: "Capitulation in Ukraine negotiations is bad news" Rory Sullivan • 6 hours • 2 minutes reading time US President-elect Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Elysée Palace, December 7, 2024 The negotiations to end the war in Ukraine should not lead to a "peace that is a capitulation" because that would be "bad news for everyone", including the USA, says French President Emmanuel Macron. US President Donald Trump discussed possible peace talks to end the war in Ukraine in an hour-long phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and agreed to meet soon. In an interview with the Financial Times, the French president supported Trump's position that it is Europe's responsibility to ensure Ukraine's security. "What Trump is saying to Europe is that it is up to you to bear the burden. And I say it is up to us to take it on," Macron said. Macron said he was "not surprised" by the US president's initiative, which has now created a "window of opportunity" for a negotiated solution in which "everyone has to play their part." Europe should step up its defense efforts to protect its own future and that of Ukraine after the "electric shock" of Trump's return to the White House, Macron added. "This is the moment for Europe to speed things up and get things done," he said. "There is no other choice. The road has come to an end." The French president stressed that only Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could negotiate a ceasefire on behalf of his country. In Central Asia, where leaders have balanced their historic ties with Russia with anti-war messages, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev told Euronews that his country wants an end to the war. "Ukraine remains a widely discussed issue. From the very beginning, we have advocated an end to the war and a consensus and agreement through diplomatic negotiations," Tokayev said. "Now our position is becoming a reality, as two major powers have started a political dialogue. This is a positive development that will also benefit Kazakhstan. That is why we will support this process as much as possible." In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, US Vice President J.D. Vance threatened Moscow. The US would hit Moscow with sanctions and possible military action if Putin did not agree to a peace deal with Ukraine that would guarantee Kyiv's long-term independence. "I think there will be an agreement that will shock a lot of people," Vance said.