KYIV, Jan 29 - European countries must make bold and "innovative" decisions to help Ukraine even if the U.S. backs off from supporting Kyiv in the coming months, French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday.

In a familiar refrain, the French president added that Europe should take the lead on guaranteeing its own security. Macron made the comments during an official visit to Sweden, which is on the cusp of becoming a new member of the NATO military alliance, POLITICO reported.