French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized that Europe is committed to securing a lasting peace in Ukraine, following his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
Speaking alongside Trump in the Oval Office on Monday, Macron stated that the “common objective” is to establish “a solid and longstanding peace” in Ukraine, acknowledging the importance of guarantees and stability. “This is a very important moment for Europe,” Macron remarked, highlighting Europe’s readiness to step up as a stronger partner in defense, security, trade, and investment.
Macron’s visit comes amid growing concerns in Europe over transatlantic relations, with Trump advancing his “America First” foreign policy and pushing for a swift end to the Ukraine war. Trump’s proposal to initiate negotiations between U.S. and Russian diplomats—without Ukrainian or European involvement—has raised doubts about America’s commitment to European security.
At a joint press conference, Trump expressed satisfaction that Macron agreed that the cost and responsibility for securing peace in Ukraine should primarily fall on Europe. “Europe must take that central role in ensuring long-term security for Ukraine, which they want to do,” Trump said.
Tensions Over U.S. Approach to Ukraine
Macron and Trump’s meeting comes amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Europe, especially following Trump’s critical remarks about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Last week, Trump referred to Zelenskyy as a “dictator” and blamed Ukraine for the war, despite Russia initiating the invasion in 2022. He also dismissed Zelenskyy’s concerns about Ukraine and Europe being excluded from U.S.-Russia negotiations, suggesting that Ukraine’s position in talks was weak.
Macron has been working to coordinate a European response to Washington’s shift in policy, hoping to leverage the bond he developed with Trump during the latter’s first term. The French president stressed that both Americans and Europeans must present a united front to Russian President Vladimir Putin during peace talks. “Being strong and having deterrence capacities is the only way to ensure that any deal will be respected,” Macron added.
European Leaders’ Caution on Fast Peace Deal
European leaders, however, are cautious about a rapid peace deal that could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty. There are concerns that Trump’s desire for a quick resolution may compromise Ukraine’s territorial integrity. U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz noted that discussions between Trump and Macron would focus on security guarantees for Ukraine and the possibility of European peacekeepers in the event of a ceasefire.
Trump expressed support for the idea of sending European peacekeepers to Ukraine, claiming that Russian President Putin would accept the concept.
Rachel Rizzo, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Europe Center, commented that the meeting between Macron and Trump signaled the potential for real progress toward a peace agreement, though much remains to be resolved.
