Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump recently met at the White House to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has now reached its third anniversary. During their talks, Macron emphasized that any peace agreement with Russia must not equate to Ukraine’s surrender. This statement comes in response to Trump’s claims that Russia wants to end the conflict.
The meeting highlighted the delicate state of relations between the United States and Europe. Macron pointed out that Europe needs to take greater responsibility for its own defense and reiterated that Russia is the aggressor in the conflict. He stated that President Putin has violated peace agreements and that any peace deal should respect Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Macron expressed a desire for a swift resolution but stressed that it should not be a weak agreement. He insisted that Ukraine should have the ability to negotiate with other parties involved in the conflict. He described the situation as an existential issue for Europe, indicating that the stakes are high for the continent’s security.
After their discussions, Macron expressed optimism about finding a path forward in negotiations. He acknowledged that there may be good reasons for Trump to re-establish communication with Putin, following a recent phone call between the two leaders.
Trump, for his part, suggested that Russia might accept European troops in Ukraine as part of peacekeeping efforts. He mentioned that he had spoken to Putin with respect and believes there is a desire on Russia’s part to conclude the war.
However, when asked about the possibility of Ukraine ceding territory in any agreement, Trump remained noncommittal, saying, "We’ll see." He reiterated his goal of stopping the war, whether through a ceasefire or a direct deal.
Macron also indicated that he believes a peace deal could be achieved within weeks, but he emphasized the need for a strong agreement that does not compromise Ukraine’s position. Meanwhile, Putin has expressed willingness to discuss reducing Russia’s defense budget and potentially engaging in economic talks with the U.S.
As the situation unfolds, the U.S. president is set to meet with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who has warned that a poor peace deal would have disastrous consequences for all parties involved. This ongoing dialogue among world leaders reflects the complexities of achieving lasting peace in Ukraine while ensuring the country’s sovereignty and security.