French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized on Monday that achieving peace cannot equate to Ukraine’s “surrender,” as he and US President Donald Trump discussed a potential diplomatic solution during their meeting at the White House. This engagement took place on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, amidst growing tension regarding the US’s stance on the conflict.
Both leaders indicated progress on the proposal to send peacekeepers to Ukraine, with Macron insisting that US security guarantees are essential for Kyiv. Their discussions coincided with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s calls for a resolution to the conflict “this year” while he conferred with European leaders in Kyiv, raising concerns that Trump might be leaning towards more amicable relations with Russia.
In a bleak turn of events, air raid sirens were activated across Ukraine early Tuesday as government officials issued warnings of a potential missile attack. Initial reports indicated that at least five individuals were injured, and several buildings sustained damage. In response to the attack, Polish authorities scrambled military aircraft to monitor the situation.
At a joint press conference following their meeting, Macron asserted, “This peace cannot mean the surrender of Ukraine,” underscoring the importance of a firm stance against Russian aggression. He acknowledged Trump’s willingness to engage in dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin but stressed that it is vital for the US to provide “backup” for any proposed European peacekeeping force.
Expressing optimism about future diplomatic efforts, Macron stated, “After speaking with President Trump, I fully believe there is a path forward.” However, Trump stirred concerns when he signaled a readiness to renew discussions with Russia and suggested that a resolution to the war could be achieved rapidly. Trump expressed confidence in securing an end to hostilities, claiming, “I think we could end it within weeks — if we’re smart.”
The dynamics of the conversation also revealed Trump’s insistence that Europe should shoulder the financial responsibilities for Ukraine’s ongoing support and that the US should recuperate the extensive aid extended to Kyiv. Despite his overtures towards greater cooperation with Moscow, Trump refrained from labeling Putin a dictator, a stark contrast to his recent remarks about Zelensky.
Putin has demonstrated a cautious demeanor since his recent talks with Trump, suggesting openness to European involvement in peace discussions. During an interview with state television, he indicated that European nations could contribute to negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict, reflecting a possible shift in the Kremlin’s approach.
As sanctions continue to weigh heavily on Russia, Putin highlighted ongoing communications between US and Russian companies regarding potential joint economic projects, especially in the sector of strategic minerals located in occupied Ukrainian territories.
Zelensky, who has expressed willingness to resign from his position in exchange for a peace agreement ensuring Ukraine’s NATO membership, reiterated his call for a “real, lasting peace” this year. The ongoing conflict, which erupted following Russia’s invasion in February 2022, has led to widespread devastation and significant casualties among both military personnel and civilians.
Interestingly, Trump has previously blamed Ukraine for instigating the war, indicating a notable departure from the US’s traditional bipartisan support for Kyiv. During his press conference, he characterized his shift from established US foreign policy as a “decisive break,” labeling previous strategies as “very foolish.” This change appeared to manifest in recent votes at the United Nations, where the US sided with Russia and North Korea, avoiding direct condemnation of Moscow’s actions.
The discussions between Macron and Trump conclude amid a backdrop of evolving international relations and shifting allegiances, drawing attention to the complex interplay of diplomacy, security, and the quest for peace in a region fraught with conflict.
