U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron revealed stark differences in their Ukraine strategy during a meeting Monday, highlighting tensions between the U.S. and Europe. While Trump pushed for a swift ceasefire, Macron stressed a more measured approach, emphasizing security guarantees before a peace deal.
Trump avoided labeling Russian President Vladimir Putin a dictator, despite calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy one last week. Macron, however, firmly stated that Russia remains the aggressor. "President Putin violated the peace," Macron said.
Trump expressed willingness to visit Moscow once a ceasefire is reached, claiming Putin had no objections to a European peacekeeping force. Macron confirmed their deployment but clarified they wouldn’t engage in combat.
The two leaders maintained a cordial relationship, with Macron leveraging past ties to navigate Trump’s unpredictable stance. During their discussion, Macron corrected Trump’s claim that Europe provided all aid to Ukraine as loans.
Trump also advanced talks on a minerals revenue-sharing agreement with Ukraine, aiming to recoup U.S. aid costs. Zelenskiy, however, recently rejected U.S. demands for $500 billion in mineral wealth, arguing the aid provided was far less and lacked clear security assurances.
Asked if Ukraine might need to cede land to Russia, Trump remained noncommittal, stating, "We'll see." Macron insisted that any agreement must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet Trump later this week as Europe grows concerned over his shifting stance on Ukraine and warming ties with Moscow.