Macron ‘very sceptical’ about Russia-Ukraine peace talks as Europe marks four years of war – Europe live
The Guardian World
by Jakub KrupaFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2018, both France and Ukraine remain deeply skeptical about the prospects for peace with Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his doubts about Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s intentions, stating that Moscow shows no signs of wanting to end the conflict. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Europe to maintain its resolve and unity in the face of ongoing aggression. He emphasized the need for a strong, collective response to Russia’s actions, warning that the threat posed by Russia has not diminished over time. Zelenskyy also stressed the importance of transatlantic cooperation with the United States, acknowledging the challenges of maintaining unity among Western allies.
In his remarks, Zelenskyy called for a complete ban on all Russian entities involved in the conflict across Europe, including oil exports, tankers, banks, and financial institutions. He argued that such measures would send a clear message to Russia’s leadership and help isolate its war criminals. This tough stance reflects Ukraine’s growing frustration with what it perceives as insufficient action by European countries to hold Russia accountable for its aggression. Zelenskyy’s comments come amid heightened tensions in Eastern Europe, with Russia continuing to mobilize troops near the Ukrainian border and showing no signs of backing down from its expansionist goals.
The situation remains critical, with both Macron and Zelenskyy underscoring the importance of European unity in confronting Russia. As the conflict enters its fifth year, the stakes are higher than ever, not just for Ukraine but for global stability. The ongoing war
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/24/2026