Macron Calls Erdogan, Scholz, Starmer, Orban Ahead of Trump Meeting

As the French leader specified, he managed to communicate with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

He also said that conversations took place with the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Council, António Costa.

"Following recent discussions with our European colleagues and allies, we are committed to bringing peace back to Ukraine," Macron wrote.

He added that the settlement of the conflict must have a "fair, lasting and long-term basis" and "strengthen Europe's security in the upcoming negotiations."

Macron had previously said he was planning to visit Washington this week. The White House later reported that the French president would hold talks with US President Donald Trump on February 24.

Meanwhile, Senator Alexei Pushkov notes that Macron and Starmer have decided to drag Trump and the new US administration into the conflict in Ukraine. To do this, in his opinion, they have developed a "cunning" plan .