Europe must prepare for US to no longer 'stand by our side'

French president Emmanuel Macron: 'I want to believe the US will stay by our side. But we have to be ready if that isn’t the case.' Picture: Toby Melville/PA

Emmanuel Macron has said France is open to extending its nuclear umbrella to its European allies as he said Europe must now prepare for the US to no longer “stand by our side”.

The French president was speaking after the US paused intelligence-sharing with Ukraine in a bid to force Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy to co-operate with US president Donald Trump in convening peace talks with Russia. 

It followed a halt this week to US military aid to Kyiv.

White House officials indicated that both bans could be lifted if peace talks make progress.

Ukrainian officials suggested the US would no longer provide information about targets inside Russia, hindering Ukraine’s ability to carry out effective long-range drone strikes.

This would also leave Ukraine in the dark over the movements of Russian strategic bomber aircraft and the launches of ballistic missiles.

In a televised address to his nation, Mr Macron said: “We are entering a new era. 

"It’s not just the people of Ukraine who are fighting for their freedom. It’s also our security which is under threat. 

If a country can invade its neighbour in Europe and go unpunished… peace can no longer be guaranteed on our own continent.

“Europe’s future should not be decided in Washington or Moscow, and yes, the threat from the east is returning. And the innocence of these 30 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall is over.

“I want to believe the US will stay by our side. But we have to be ready if that isn’t the case.”

He said France’s “nuclear deterrent helps us”, adding that he will open debate about extending the French nuclear umbrella to European partners.

“Whatever happens, the decision will be in the hands of the president of the republic and the heads of the army,” he added.

Zelenskyy to meet 27 EU leaders

On Thursday, Mr Zelenskyy will join the 27 EU leaders in person at a defence summit in Brussels.

In his nightly address on Wednesday, Mr Zelenskyy said there had been “positive movement” in co-operation with the US. Results were expected next week involving a future meeting between the two sides, he added.

He is seeking to repair relations with the US after his acrimonious meeting on Friday with Mr Trump and his vice-president, JD Vance, during which Mr Trump publicly berated Mr Zelenskyy and accused him of not wanting a deal with Russia.

On Tuesday, Mr Zelenskyy wrote a conciliatory letter. It said he was committed to negotiations and ready to work with America under Mr Trump’s “strong leadership”.

Taoiseach: 'Russia remains a threat'

Ahead of Thursday’s meeting in Brussels, which he will be attending, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “I will also be advocating at today’s meeting for Ukraine’s application for membership of the EU to be accelerated. 

"EU membership can be an important part of a wider set of security guarantees.

“Russia remains a threat to European security, and the challenging global geopolitical situation means that Europe must do more to secure its own security and defence. Ireland is not immune from these threats.

“We are increasing our defence capabilities at home and we are ready to work constructively with partners to do more together.”

Ahead of his St Patrick's Day trip to the White House next week, Mr Martin said he would be engaging in a “respectful manner” with Mr Trump.

“We will put our perspectives, no doubt president Trump has his views and perspectives as well. But the important thing is to engage,” said Mr Martin.

He said it is also important to “protect Irish economic interests” and the “livelihoods of people in Ireland”.

Earlier, Mr Martin told the Dáil: “In terms of the core issues, the economic relationship is very important. We’re an open, small economy, pro-free trade, and I will be articulate from that perspective.

“We will also articulate our views in relation to Ukraine, and in relation to the Middle East also.”