President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron met at the White House on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Trump expressed hope that the war would end soon, but Macron warned that any peace deal must not mean Ukraine’s surrender.
Their meeting came at a time of tension between the U.S. and Europe. While Trump focused on making a quick deal to end the war, European leaders insisted on ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
Trump’s Talks with Putin
Trump claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin would accept European peacekeepers in Ukraine. “Yeah, he will accept it,” Trump told reporters, adding that he believes Putin does not want the war to continue.
Trump also said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy might visit Washington soon to sign an economic deal. This agreement would allow the U.S. access to Ukraine’s valuable minerals, which are essential for technology and defense industries. Trump sees this deal as a way to recover some of the $180 billion the U.S. has provided to Ukraine since the war began.
Macron’s Stand on Ukraine
Macron made it clear that any peace deal should not mean Ukraine giving up its rights. “This peace must not mean a surrender of Ukraine,” he said. He also stressed that Europe must take more responsibility for its own security.
Macron had stopped talking to Putin after reports of Russian war crimes in Ukraine, but he now hopes that Trump’s discussions with Putin could lead to progress. However, Putin later said that he had not talked to Trump about peace in detail.
Shift in U.S. Foreign Policy
Trump’s approach to global politics has worried many European leaders. He has made controversial demands, such as wanting the U.S. to take control of Greenland, parts of Canada, Gaza, and the Panama Canal. Many fear that Trump’s policies are moving away from the traditional role the U.S. has played in global stability.
Former U.S. Ambassador Ian Kelly said, “Eighty years of standing against aggressors has just been undone without any discussion.”
Differences Between U.S. and Europe
While Trump and Macron met, their countries disagreed at the United Nations. The U.S. refused to support a resolution that directly blamed Russia for the war, while European nations insisted that Russia be named as the aggressor.
Macron also planned to remind Trump that standing up to Putin is important. “How can you be strong against China if you are weak against Putin?” he asked.
Trump, however, said he believed Putin wanted to make a deal.
