Macron Reminds Regional Exchange Proposals To End War Must Involve Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron stressed that the proposed exchange or surrender of parts of the territory between Ukraine and Russia must be discussed with Ukraine. Macron responded to US President Donald Trump's remarks ahead of his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Every regional exchange in Ukraine can only be discussed with Ukraine," Macron said as quoted by CNN, Wednesday, August 13.

Macron spoke to reporters in southern France with Ant Totalio Costa, president of the European Council.

"America's desire is to reach a ceasefire," Macron said.

"The exchange with President Trump allowed him to state his intention to meet on August 15 and allowed us to explain our expectations very clearly," he continued.

Macron said "good things", Russia and the US negotiated, but stressed the importance for Europe to "heard" about issues affecting the continent, such as war in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously rejected US President Donald Trump's proposal signaling the possibility of a regional exchange with Russia as part of a peace agreement.

Zelenskyy stressed that the Ukrainian constitution prohibits the division of territory of the country, and surrendering land means giving the invaders a break to counterattack.

"Ukraine will not award its land to the invaders," said Zelenskyy.

He stressed that every decision made without Ukraine was an illegitimate and unsuccessful decision.