French President Emmanuel Macron is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington to discuss the ongoing negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine. Macron emphasized the importance of not appearing weak in the face of Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that it is in the joint interest of Americans and Europeans to stand firm.
Macron expressed concerns over Trump's recent statements aligning with Putin's narrative and his plans for direct negotiations with Moscow. However, he suggested that Trump's strategy of creating uncertainty in talks with Russia could ultimately strengthen Western allies in the negotiations.
Macron highlighted the need for any peace deal to involve Ukrainians and Europeans at the negotiating table, emphasizing that allowing Russia to take over Ukraine would have dire consequences.
In response to Trump's call for increased defense spending, Macron acknowledged the need for Europeans to enhance their military efforts. While ruling out sending French troops to fight in Ukraine, Macron mentioned the possibility of deploying a security force to ensure Ukraine's security once a peace agreement is reached.
Macron's upcoming meeting with Trump is expected to address these critical issues and underscore the importance of a unified approach towards resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
