Macron Fact-Checks Trump on Ukraine as US-Europe Rift Deepens/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ French President Emmanuel Macron met with President Donald Trump to ease growing US-Europe tensions over Ukraine, but key divisions remain. Macron used flattery and firmness to challenge Trump’s stance on the war, emphasizing Russia’s responsibility while Trump pursued a peace deal favoring Russia. Despite Macron’s diplomacy, Washington and Europe remain at odds, with no firm US support promised.
Macron and Trump Talks: Quick Looks
- Macron seeks to salvage transatlantic ties amid Ukraine war tensions
- Trump claims Ukraine owes repayment for US support; Macron rebuts
- Macron insists Russia is the aggressor and must be held accountable
- Trump pursues peace deal potentially favoring Russia and rare earth deals
- UN votes expose split: US sides with Russia on key resolutions
- Europe pushes for Ukraine security guarantees; US remains noncommittal
- Macron leaves Washington without firm US pledges
- UK’s Keir Starmer set to meet Trump next in efforts to mend rift
Macron Fact-Checks Trump on Ukraine as US-Europe Rift Deepens
Deep Look
WASHINGTON, DC — French President Emmanuel Macron visited the White House Monday, aiming to mend a fraying transatlantic alliance and address growing disagreements with President Donald Trump over the war in Ukraine.
The visit, marked by a combination of warm gestures and sharp disagreements, highlighted the deepening divide between the US and Europe. While Macron praised Trump’s leadership, he pushed back on claims that Europe has not contributed enough to Ukraine’s defense.
“This war cost all of us a lot of money,” Macron said in the Oval Office. “And this is Russia’s responsibility.”
Trump, maintaining that Europe “loaned” Ukraine money, suggested the US should be repaid.
Macron corrected him, noting, “We paid 60% of the total effort… real money, not loans.”
Macron’s Diplomatic Tightrope
Known for his attempts to navigate Trump’s unpredictability, Macron employed a mix of flattery and firmness:
- Called Trump’s leadership a “game-changer” during a Fox News interview
- Praised Trump personally while disputing his Ukraine narrative
- Urged for a quick but fair peace deal that doesn’t sacrifice Ukraine’s sovereignty
“We want peace swiftly, but not at the cost of Ukraine’s future,” Macron said.
Trump’s Approach: Deal-Making Over Diplomacy
Trump’s focus remains on a “deal” with Russia that could include:
- European peacekeepers in Ukraine
- Rare earth minerals deal tying Ukraine’s economy to US interests
- Potentially allowing Russia to retain occupied territories
“I do deals. That’s what I do. I know when someone wants to make a deal,” he said.
However, critics fear Trump’s deal-making overlooks the human toll and security implications.
European Concerns and Frustrations
European leaders remain alarmed by the shift in US foreign policy:
- Germany’s Friedrich Merz called for Europe to reduce dependence on the US
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet Trump Thursday to reinforce European concerns
- European diplomats worry Trump’s rapprochement with Putin undermines Ukrainian sovereignty
“America seems indifferent to Europe’s fate,” Merz said in a weekend interview.
UN Votes Reveal Deepening Rift
Tensions spilled into the UN General Assembly, where:
- The US and Russia voted against a European-backed resolution condemning Moscow’s aggression
- The US proposed a competing resolution calling for peace but omitting references to Russian aggression
- France and Britain abstained from the US proposal, highlighting diplomatic fractures
“Russia tramples on international law,” a European diplomat said.
Macron’s Limited Success
Macron left Washington without concrete promises:
- Trump did not commit to security guarantees for Ukraine
- Macron emphasized European peacekeepers would need US backing to deter Russia
- Macron expressed cautious optimism: “There’s progress, but we need more.”
Looking Ahead: Starmer’s Challenge
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will attempt to:
- Reinforce European unity during Thursday’s meeting with Trump
- Advocate for stronger NATO commitments
- Persuade Trump to consider long-term European security over short-term deals
“We focus on actions, not words,” a Starmer aide said. “Trump’s decisions will shape European security for years.”
