Emmanuel Macron asserted that a peace agreement with Russia “should not equate to a capitulation of Ukraine” – while Donald Trump indicated that Vladimir Putin’s forces “aim to conclude this conflict”.
The presidents of the US and France convened amidst shaky relations between America and Europe, following Mr Trump‘s recent verbal criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
During their meeting in the White House on the third anniversary of Russia’s incursion into Ukraine, the French president mentioned that he and Mr Trump “made significant progress during our talks”.
Mr Macron expressed to journalists that Europe ought to enhance its defensive capabilities on the continent.
Nonetheless, he emphasized that Russia “is the aggressor” in this conflict and remarked: “President Putin has breached the peace.”
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Trump and Macron’s ‘friendly’ meeting
Peace must uphold Kyiv’s ‘sovereignty’
The French leader subsequently declared: “We seek peace, he seeks peace. We desire peace promptly, but we do not wish for an agreement that is feeble.”
“This peace should not symbolize Ukraine’s surrender or a ceasefire devoid of safeguards,” he continued. “It must uphold Ukrainian sovereignty and allow Ukraine to engage with various parties regarding matters that concern it.”
“It is also a nation where we must assume our responsibilities to ensure security and stability for Ukraine and the broader region.
“For Europeans, this represents an existential concern.”
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Macron stated that any peace agreement ‘must not signify Ukraine’s surrender’. Pic: Reuters
‘End this war’
During a press conference subsequent to their discussions, Mr Macron expressed his “strong belief” that a pathway exists for advancing negotiations.
He also acknowledged “there are valid reasons for President Trump to reconnect with President Putin” – a week after both leaders participated in a 90-minute phone dialogue.
Mr Trump conveyed that Russia would welcome European forces in Ukraine as part of peacekeeping initiatives, adding: “I specifically posed that question to him (Putin). He has no objection to it.”
He informed the media: “Upon my arrival, one of my first communications was with Putin and it was conducted with great consideration. They wish to conclude this war.”
Mr. Macron “firmly believes” there exists a pathway to advance peace discussions following his dialogue with Mr. Trump. Pic: AP
Mr. Trump articulated his desire to “halt this warfare,” whether through a truce or a direct accord – but when inquired if Ukraine should concede territory as part of any arrangement, he responded: “We’ll see.”
The press conference occurred as Mr. Putin expressed his willingness to contemplate a reduction in Russia’s defense expenditure alongside the US, suggesting a joint cut of 50% would be a “beneficial proposition”.
The Russian leader also promoted a potential economic agreement with the US, proposing discussions regarding the supply of its rare earth metals and the sale of aluminum to American companies.
The US president is scheduled to confer with Sir Keir Starmer on Thursday, following the Prime Minister’s caution to Mr. Trump that a flawed peace settlement would constitute a “calamity for all”.
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Earlier on Monday, Mr. Trump expressed his hope that Mr. Zelenskyy would come to the US to finalize an agreement regarding Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in the near future.
Just the previous week, in a heated exchange, Mr. Trump labeled Ukraine’s leader a “dictator” and cautioned that he “needs to act swiftly or there will be no country left” after Mr. Zelenskyy had accused him of operating within a Russian-produced “disinformation environment”.
