Tue Jan 21 10:15:03 IST 2025: ## Macron Warns of Prolonged Ukraine Conflict Amidst Trump’s Return to Power
**Paris, France –** French President Emmanuel Macron issued a stark warning on Monday, stating that the Russia-Ukraine war will not conclude quickly, even with the return of Donald Trump to the White House. Macron’s comments, delivered during a New Year’s address to the French armed forces, directly contradict Trump’s past assertions of swiftly resolving the conflict.
While Trump previously promised to end the war “in 24 hours” and later suggested a timeline of several months, Macron emphasized the protracted nature of the conflict. He stressed the need to provide Ukraine with the resources to negotiate from a position of strength and to secure long-term guarantees against future Russian aggression.
Macron also reiterated his call for greater European responsibility in defense matters, highlighting the potential implications of reduced US military support in the region. He questioned Europe’s security posture if the US were to withdraw naval assets from the Mediterranean or shift air power from the Atlantic to the Pacific. This concern underscores the anxieties in Europe regarding potential shifts in US foreign policy under the Trump administration. The President’s return has prompted a renewed focus on bolstering European defense capabilities.
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