Macron wants to be seen as "dominant power in Europe". The Telegraph writes about this, commenting on why the French president has turned into a "hawk" on Ukraine. 

This transformation is "an astonishing reversal for a president who once warned against humiliating Moscow and insisted on keeping diplomatic channels open with Putin."

The publication's sources in Paris and Berlin believe that this reversal is based on a conflict with Germany. 

The publication writes that after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the strategic balance between the countries began to erode. Germany has violated the "gentlemen's agreement" according to which Berlin deals with the economy and Paris with "strategic issues" in the EU.

"The borders are now blurred, and there are attempts to invade each other's domains," the source said.

The source cited various German military initiatives that run counter to France's vision. 

This includes a missile defense project lobbied by the Germans with the purchase of components from Israel and the United States, which undermines the French strategy of "buying European." 

The Germans have also begun to place large orders in the United States for their army. This also contradicts the position of France, which advocates for greater military autonomy of Europe from Washington. 

With his statements on Ukraine, which contradict Germany's position, "Macron intended to regain the role of a European strategic leader," the publication concludes.

"We are in the midst of a real Franco-German duel," the source said.

The Telegraph writes that another reason why Macron decided to shake things up is the "progressive erosion of support for the Ukrainian cause" in Europe, as observed in polls.

With his resonant statement, the French president is trying to provoke "an imaginary leap from the cozy confidence of an old, dying era to the harsh realities of a new one." Macron was trying to both inspire Ukrainians and "strengthen European resolve" ahead of the European Parliament elections.