Negotiations could only take place under conditions that "Ukraine chooses," Macron said. Kiev's allies must "give Ukraine the means" to return to the negotiating table, he said.

"We must intensify our support" to enable a Ukrainian "counteroffensive," the president demanded. "If Ukraine is to defend Europe, it must also have the weapons to do so."

According to Macron, the coming weeks and months are "crucial" for the further course of the war. At the same time, France is "ready for a longer conflict", even if "I don't want that".

In his speech, the French President suggested holding a conference on European air defense in Paris. Such a conference would make it possible to deal with the issue from an "industrial point of view", from a "strategic point of view" and from "the issue of deterrence", said Macron. The continent must "reinvest massively in our defense if we Europeans want peace".

The Munich Security Conference takes place from Friday to Sunday in the Bavarian capital. It is marked by the Ukraine war. More than 150 high-ranking government officials from all over the world are taking part in this year's meeting - including Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and US Vice President Kamala Harris.