France's Prime Minister criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's recent Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling it a display of brutality aimed at humiliating Ukraine's leader and bending him to the will of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Prime Minister's comments diverged from French President Emmanuel Macron's more nuanced tone and highlighted the lack of diplomatic niceties in French-U.S. relations.
The Prime Minister described the Oval Office scene as a show of 'brutality' and an attempt to make Zelenskyy fold through threats. He referenced Trump's statement to Zelenskyy, suggesting that a deal with Putin must be reached or the U.S. would withdraw support.
Bayrou commended Zelenskyy for not yielding to pressure, emphasizing the importance of democratic responsibility and European unity. Lawmakers in the National Assembly chamber applauded his remarks.
Bayrou warned of the grave peril facing Europe following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing diplomatic tensions. He characterized the current situation as the most serious and dangerous in Europe since World War II.
The Prime Minister highlighted the impact of the Oval Office meeting on Ukraine's security and the trans-Atlantic relationship. He expressed concern that the incident compromised America's historical alliances and its commitment to defending the rule of law.
Bayrou, who has been Macron's Prime Minister since December, emphasized that his statements reflected the government's position. He underscored the need to uphold democratic values and support Ukraine in the face of external threats.
