Macron pushes forward: Frozen Russian assets and EU unity for Ukraine support

French President Emmanuel Macron has once again placed himself at the center of efforts to support Ukraine — but this time with a renewed focus on a financial lever: frozen Russian assets. On November 25, 2025, after a virtual meeting of the grouping called Coalition of the Willing, Macron announced that France, together with other European Union countries, would finalize a plan in the coming days to channel frozen Russian funds towards supporting Ukraine.

Emmanuel Macron described the move as more than just financial aid — a “means of pressure” on Moscow. With the war continuing to drag on, he argued that this approach delivers not only immediate financial support to Kyiv, but also diplomatic leverage that keeps Russia under international scrutiny.

In his words, Ukraine needs a peace that is “serious,” “durable,” and fully respectful of international law.

Security guarantees: Not just aid, but long-term protection

Beyond money, Macron emphasized that support must translate into real, lasting security for Ukraine — not just “guarantees on paper.” He stressed that once a peace agreement is reached, Kyiv must enjoy robust security guarantees to prevent any return of aggression.

To this end, the Coalition’s next steps include crafting those guarantees, with close coordination between European nations, the European Union, and — for the first time — the United States.

Emmanuel Macron’s vision, shared with other European allies, suggests a multi-layered approach: freezing Russian assets, delivering financial and military support, and offering structural security assurance — all to ensure that any truce doesn’t simply become a fragile pause in fighting, but leads toward lasting peace.

A strong Ukraine — and hope for peace by 2027

At a recent joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Macron expressed optimism that real progress toward peace is possible — and even suggested that 2027 could be the year when a stable resolution becomes attainable.

But he was clear: this will require steady, unrelenting support for Kyiv, not a rush to normality. He called for maintaining pressure on Russia through sanctions, efforts to choke off its “phantom fleet” (used to finance Moscow via oil sales), and strengthening Ukraine’s ability to defend its airspace and territory.

Recent developments reinforce this push: just in November 2025, France and Ukraine signed a landmark defense agreement under which Kyiv plans to acquire up to 100 advanced Dassault Rafale fighter jets over the next decade. The deal also covers air-defence systems, missiles, and the co-production of interceptor drones.

This move signals not just short-term support, but a long-term strategy: helping Ukraine build a credible, modern defense force capable of protecting its skies — and by extension, European security.

Emmanuel Macron warns: Peace must come with strength — no capitulation

While advocating for negotiations, Emmanuel Macron warns strongly against a peace that amounts to capitulation. He has publicly voiced skepticism about proposals that, in his words, could undermine Ukraine’s security or territorial integrity.

Earlier this year, he made it clear that while diplomatic efforts are vital, true peace cannot be achieved at any cost. Any settlement that expects Ukraine to drastically cut its defense capabilities or accept conditions that weaken its security would be unacceptable.

For Macron — and many European allies — supporting Ukraine means preserving its right to defend itself, while steering the conflict toward a lasting resolution that upholds international law and stability in Europe.

What this means on ground — and why it matters

Macron’s latest approach is significant for several reasons:

* By targeting frozen Russian assets, the aid to Ukraine becomes less dependent on annual budget negotiations or ad-hoc donations — it turns into a strategic, enforceable mechanism.

* The combination of financial support, modern weaponry (like Rafales), and promised security guarantees could enhance Ukraine’s defense posture — adding weight to both deterrence and diplomatic negotiations.

* Macron’s insistence that peace without security is meaningless sends a strong signal: European leaders are not simply pushing for a quick end to the war, but for a stable and sustainable outcome.

* Finally, this matters not only for Ukraine — but for European security at large. A stable Ukraine, defended by credible European solidarity, could prevent further Russian aggression and stabilize the region.

In short — Macron’s recent moves reflect a shift. This is no longer just about emergency aid or short-term weapons shipments. It’s about building long-term strength, alignments across Europe (and beyond), and constructing the framework for a peace that is not fragile, but resilient.

With frozen assets converted into concrete support, Rafales on the horizon, and security guarantees under discussion — Ukraine is no longer just fighting for survival; it is being positioned for defense and for what hopefully becomes a stable peace. And according to Emmanuel Macron, with persistence and unity, peace by 2027 may not just be a hope — but an achievable goal.