In an RTL interview broadcast on November 25, 2025, during his Africa trip, Emmanuel Macron welcomed the US-proposed peace plan for Ukraine while stressing that Ukrainians must decide on territorial concessions. He urged not to be weak against the Russian threat, described as more aggressive. A meeting of the volunteer coalition supporting Ukraine is scheduled for the same day via videoconference.
Emmanuel Macron spoke on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, in an interview with RTL during his Africa trip. Questioned on the US-proposed 'peace plan,' the French president stated: 'It is a step in the right direction, that of peace.' However, he qualified: 'no one can decide on behalf of Ukrainians what territorial concessions they are willing to make.'
Mr. Macron warned about Russia's stance, which he describes as 'much more aggressive.' 'We want peace, but not a peace that is a capitulation,' he affirmed. What is acceptable to Russians 'does not mean it is for Ukrainians and Europeans,' he added, urging not to be 'weak' against this 'threat.' He recalled that 'those who started the war are the Russians, and the only one who does not want peace is Russia.'
The head of state will join a videoconference of the 'volunteer coalition' supporting Ukraine on the same day. Regarding frozen Russian assets, which Donald Trump proposes using to rebuild Ukraine through US-led projects, Mr. Macron insisted: it is 'up to Europeans to decide.'
In a broader context, he discussed the need to strengthen the 'army-nation pact' against hybrid conflicts, with no link to sending youth to Ukraine. He will announce on Thursday in Varces (Isère) a new framework for universal national service. On the army budget, increasing by 3.5 billion euros in 2026, he expresses 'good hope' for a parliamentary compromise.