French President Emmanuel Macron visited Washington, DC, to meet with US President Donald Trump amid rising concerns in Europe over the future of transatlantic relations. The meeting, which took place in the Oval Office on Monday, focused on the ongoing war in Ukraine and potential avenues for peace. Macron emphasized a "common objective" to establish a "solid and longstanding peace" in the region. This visit comes as European leaders push for a comprehensive approach to the conflict that would ensure stability rather than a rushed resolution.
Macron aimed to reinforce to Trump the importance of presenting a united front against Russian President Vladimir Putin. He dismissed criticisms from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding Ukraine's exclusion from initial US-Russia discussions. Macron argued that Zelenskyy had been negotiating "with no cards, and you get sick of it." Meanwhile, Trump controversially labeled Zelenskyy as a "dictator," attributing blame to Ukraine for the war, despite Russia's 2022 invasion of its neighbor.
"There is good reason for President Trump to re-engage with President Putin," said Emmanuel Macron.
The discussions between Trump and Macron signaled potential progress on a peace agreement for Ukraine. They explored the idea of sending European peacekeeping troops to the region as part of security guarantees. Trump expressed support for this initiative, indicating Washington's backing.
"It’s heartening to hear Macron saying that Europe would be willing to potentially send peacekeepers, and it’s good also to hear that Trump would be willing to accept that as well," commented Mike Waltz.
Macron has actively coordinated a European response to Washington’s abrupt policy shift, advocating for security guarantees for Ukraine. These guarantees could include peacekeepers in the event of a ceasefire, a concept he had previously discussed with Putin.
“We do share the objective of peace but we are very aware of the necessity to have guarantees and a solid peace in order to stabilise the situation,” stated Emmanuel Macron.
Trump acknowledged the progress made thus far in efforts to end the conflict, while also noting Europe's crucial role in ensuring long-term security for Ukraine.
“Europe must take that central role in ensuring long-term security of Ukraine, which they want to do,” said Donald Trump.
European leaders, however, remain cautious about a swift peace agreement that might compromise Ukraine's sovereignty. Alan Fisher expressed concerns about Trump's eagerness for a peace deal potentially undermining Ukraine's position.
“There is a concern that Trump wants to race into this [peace deal] and there is a worry that may mean Ukraine’s sovereignty is undermined,” noted Alan Fisher.
Macron insisted on the importance of strength and deterrence to ensure any agreement reached is respected by all parties involved.
“Being strong and having deterrence capacities is the only way to ensure that [a deal] will be respected. And I insisted on that,” emphasized Emmanuel Macron.
During their meeting, Macron and Trump also touched upon trade issues with the European Union, with Trump having previously threatened significant tariffs against the bloc.
“Trump and Macron would also discuss the thorny issue of trade with the European Union, with the US president threatening sweeping tariffs against the bloc,” added Mike Waltz.
