French President Emmanuel Macron has urged European nations to "wake up" and increase their defense budgets as he anticipates shifts in U.S. foreign policy with Donald Trump returning to power. In a speech delivered at the Army Digital and Cyber Support Command in Cesson-Sevigne, Macron highlighted the need for Europe to reduce its reliance on American military support, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. He emphasized that the situation presents an "opportunity for a European strategic wake-up call," referencing, "What will we do in Europe tomorrow if our American ally withdraws its warships from the Mediterranean?"

Macron's concerns echo Trump's previous statements criticizing the financial burden of supporting Ukraine and expressing a desire to transfer more responsibility onto European allies. "We need to adapt to evolving threats and changing interests," said Macron, indicating that Europe's role in ensuring its own security has never been more pressing, especially when faced with uncertain commitments from the U.S.

As tensions remain high due to Russia's ongoing aggression, Macron also noted the importance of providing lasting support to Ukraine to ensure it maintains a strong position in any future negotiations. He expressed, "We discussed the possibility of Western troops deploying in Ukraine to safeguard any peace deal," particularly after recent dialogues with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the deployment of military contingents in the country.

The potential for sending European troops as peacekeepers raises concerns among officials who fear it might invite further Russian aggression and draw NATO, including the U.S., into a direct conflict. Macron stated that while peace is a primary goal, the realities of the situation require careful consideration and readiness for any eventuality.

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