PARIS - French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday evening urged Europeans to increase defense investments to ensure their own security.

"We should spend more and spend better on European defense, making swift decisions at both national and European levels to enhance our autonomy and strength, because our security is at stake," Macron said during an online Q&A interview.

He acknowledged that while European partners have reinvested in defense in recent years, many still rely heavily on the United States.

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He noted that the US has been signaling that Europe is no longer its priority. "We must accept this reality," Macron said, adding that "this new era will force us to make choices."

Asked whether France plans to engage militarily in Ukraine, Macron said the country has no intention of sending troops to fight but remains committed to negotiating a lasting peace.

However, he noted that France and its allies could play a role in guaranteeing Ukraine's security once a peace agreement is reached.

During the interview, Macron stressed that Europe seeks a lasting peace that aligns with international law.

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Such peace, he insisted, "must not be negotiated without the Ukrainians, as it concerns them, nor without Europeans at the table, as it affects our collective security."