French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters he and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed proposals for a moratorium on strikes targeting Ukraine's energy sector. He called the meeting "very good" and said both leaders agreed on the need to bolster Kyiv's defences, especially with interceptor systems. Macron said he would raise the energy-strike suspension idea with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and hopes to make progress at the United Nations gathering.
Macron Says He Discussed Moratorium On Energy Strikes With Trump To Protect Ukraine
FILE PHOTO: France's President Emmanuel Macron addresses the audience during a press conference following a meeting with candidates for the 2027 presidential election and party leaders focused on the geopolitical situation and its consequences, at the presidential Elysee Palace in Paris, France. on September 18, 2026. THOMAS SAMSON/Pool via REUTERS/ File Photo
NEW YORK, Sept 21 — France's President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that he had discussed with U.S. President Donald Trump proposals aimed at securing a moratorium between Ukraine and Russia on strikes targeting the energy sector.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Macron described the exchange as "very good" and "very constructive," and said both leaders agreed on the urgency of helping Kyiv strengthen its defences.
"We had a lengthy discussion on Ukraine and Russia, the need to help our Ukrainian friends more quickly and more strongly in terms of interceptors, because that is the key issue from a defensive point of view," Macron said.
Without offering operational details, Macron said the two had also focused on the idea of suspending attacks on energy infrastructure — a proposal he planned to raise later on Monday when he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. He stressed that protecting Ukraine's energy system remains a priority as the war continues to affect security across Europe.
Macron said he hoped progress on the idea could be made during the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations, where energy security and civilian protection are expected to be discussed.
(Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
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