Emmanuel Macron ‘turning point’ on Ukraine lacks Donald Trump commitments

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Emmanuel Macron praised a “turning point” in the efforts made to influence Donald Trump on Ukraine, but failed to secure a commitment from the US President to support any deployment of European forces to deter Russia in any post -war settlement, according to officials.
The French President, who visited the White House on Monday, will follow in Washington on Thursday, UK Prime Minister Sir Kerr Starmer, who will achieve more payment for concrete assurances from the United States.
“There are Europeans ready to engage to provide these security guarantees,” said Macron after his meeting with Trump. “Now there is a clear American message that the United States as an ally is ready to provide this solidarity for this approach. This is a turning point in my opinion.”
Starmer works with Macron and other European leaders a proposal to submit it to Trump on Thursday, including the possible publication of A. “The power of reassurance” that often depends on the strength of the air And supported by the United States. A French official said that the French and British leaders coordinated their messages in a phone call on Sunday.
Paris, London and other European capitals said they are ready to carry the largest part of the burden of security after the war in Ukraine. But given their limited capabilities, they called for logistical support and intelligence support, and eventually they protect the mission for success – which Macron and Starmer described as the American “Backstop”.
Speaking during a White House press conference, Macron said that Trump agreed to play such a role.
Earlier in the day, when Trump was asked whether the European forces will get support to us, he said: “We will have some kind support. It is clear that European countries will participate.” But the American president quickly added that he does not believe that European countries “will need a lot of support” because he trusts in Russia to adhere to any agreement.
A French official said that there was no “final agreement” on the nature of the backup in Ukraine, given the discussions in an initial stage. But the official added: “There is no objection from President Trump to Americans who give security guarantees.”
It is surprising that Trump announced that President Vladimir Putin would accept the presence of European forces in Ukraine, although the Russian leader did not say publicly. Trump said, “I specifically asked him this question, and he has no problem with that,” Trump said. On Tuesday, the Kremlin denied any privilege.
The visits of European leaders to the White House come amid increasing fears in Europe that Trump will accelerate the ceasefire deal with Putin, prefer Russia. On Monday, the anniversary of three years of the full invasion of Ukraine, The United States stopped with Russia at the United Nations, He refused to describe Moscow as the aggressor.
The French official said that a lot of discussion between Trump and Makon was on how to make sure to fight in eastern Ukraine.
European capitals are also concerned that they and the President of Ukraine, Voludimir Zelinski, are left from negotiations between Russia and the United States upon ending the war. Trump Zelinski described as a “dictator” but not Putin.
Macron followed a thin line during his visit to the White House by avoiding a metaphorical criticism of Trump, breaking jokes and treating the president.
But Macron also examined Trump in front of the journalists, as Trump’s wrong claim that the United States provided more assistance to Ukraine more than Europe, or that it was all loans.
“I think the visit was successful that Macron’s strategy is not Trump’s inconvenience in an attempt to sell a comprehensive peace agreement supported by the United States,” said Michel Dyclos, a diplomat and former expert at the Montin Institute in Paris. “He made progress on that front even if Trump remains completely far away.”
The European diplomats were also largely appreciating Macron’s performance, but some are concerned that the French leader believed that Trump was more disgusting than it was already.
He played it well. One of the diplomats said:
From the second concern that Macron was “more open to Trump’s ideas about Ukraine, believing that he will be able to guide [him]”.
Estonia, President of Estonia, told the Financial Times, that on the idea of European forces, “some countries are ready, and some countries are not.” He added: “The Atlantic League is important for Europe.”
Additional reports by George Parker in London
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2025-02-25 14:30:00