French President Emmanuel Macron has sparked debate after stating that Ukraine is unlikely to fully reclaim all of the territories it has lost since 2014, including Crimea and parts of the Donbas. In an interview with the French broadcaster TF1, Macron emphasized that even Ukrainian officials acknowledge the difficulty—if not impossibility—of restoring full territorial control under current conditions.
“Let’s be honest: even Ukrainians understand that regaining every inch of territory lost since 2014 is not achievable in the current situation. This war must come to an end, and Ukraine should enter negotiations from the strongest position possible,” Macron said, advocating for a diplomatic solution alongside ongoing Western military support.
He stressed that while the West must continue backing Ukraine both militarily and financially, it should also begin shaping a path toward peace. Macron reiterated that the fate of disputed territories would ultimately be decided at the negotiating table between Kyiv and Moscow.
According to Macron, the mounting social and economic pressures on European societies cannot be ignored. He warned of the dangers of a prolonged conflict, citing rising inflation, political fatigue, and internal divisions across EU member states. These concerns, he argued, necessitate a more ‘realistic’ view of what can be achieved militarily.
His comments follow recent statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who acknowledged in interviews that the issue of territorial reintegration is ‘extremely difficult’ and must be decided with the consent of the Ukrainian people. Despite this, Kyiv maintains that restoring its internationally recognized borders remains a non-negotiable goal.
Ukrainian officials responded to Macron’s remarks by reaffirming their commitment to full sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Ukrainian National Security Council noted that “no democratic leader has the right to suggest which parts of Ukraine should be sacrificed.”
Macron’s statement has divided opinion in international diplomatic circles. Some analysts interpret it as a sign of growing European fatigue with the war, while others see it as a pragmatic recognition of battlefield realities. Observers expect the issue to be central in upcoming EU and G7 summits, where the future of Ukraine’s war effort and negotiation strategy will be heavily scrutinized.
