European leaders have made it clear that they will not adhere to President Donald Trump's plan to re-enter Russia into the global market and help lift international sanctions until Moscow ends the illegal war.
Earlier this week, the Trump administration touted negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, saying that both countries agreed to “eliminate the use of force” in the Black Sea, but the Kremlin later confirmed that this was a condition that would involve the removal of international economic restrictions.
“Russia shall have no say in regards to the support we provide, nor will it provide Ukraine or set conditions,” said the French president. Emanuel Macron reportedly said Wednesday night while standing with Ukrainian President Voldymi Zelensky.
Ukraine, Russia Following our talk, agree to the Black Sea ceasefire
European officials will attend the Ukraine Peace and Security Conference held at Elysie Palace in Paris on March 27, 2025. (Ludevich Marine/Pool via Reuters)
Macron said it was “too early” to discuss sanctions relief, and as EU officials have checked with Fox News Digital and the Kremlin continues to list requests, sanctions remain a major leverage tool that European leaders cannot easily give.
“Ultimately, sanctions rely solely on Russian choice to attack, so their lifting depends solely on Russia's choice to comply with international law,” Macron added.
Leaders from 30 countries and NATO heads met on Thursday as part of the French-UK-led “Willing's Union.”
The United States was not invited to the third international summit of this kind, which included leaders from Poland, Italy and Turkish.
France and the UK are clearly on the wave side of this new support base for Ukraine, linking the lines to maintain positive relations with the US as a real geopolitical realm of Europe.
Reportedly Macron I spoke with Trump Before Wednesday's summit, and on Thursday, the UK reaffirmed its commitment to “supporting the US efforts to make real progress despite continuing to obfuscate Russia.”
“Unlike President Zelensky, [Russian President Vladimir] Putin has shown that he is not a serious player in these peace talks,” Prime Minister Kiel Starmer said in a statement ahead of Thursday's summit.
NATO leaders say retaliation is “devastating” when Putin warns against the Polish attack
Ukrainian President Voldy Mie Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer will speak at a meeting at Elysie Palace in Paris on March 27, 2025. (Ludevich Marine/Pool via Reuters)
“His promises are blank,” the statement added. “The United States has played a leading role in convening ceasefire talks, and President Zelensky has repeatedly demonstrated his commitment, and Europe is stepping up to play its role in protecting Ukraine’s future.
“Now Putin needs to show that he is willing to play the ball,” Starmer said.
France pledged another $2.1 billion in its ongoing battle with Russia on Wednesday, with more pledges of support scheduled to be announced on Thursday.
The White House did not respond to Fox News Digital's questions regarding the apparent collapse of the Black Sea ceasefire.
President Donald Trump will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G-20 Summit held in Osaka, Japan on June 28, 2019. (Kremlin Press Office/Handout/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
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Earlier in the week, according to the list of Kremlin's financial relief requests, a White House spokesman said, “Our involvement continues. We have agreed to the language with both parties to our work to halt hostilities.”
A spokesperson said, “The Russians were involved with us… asking for more negotiations.”
“President Trump believes in giving every opportunity to succeed in diplomacy and diplomacy,” the spokesman added.
