Macron Urges Trump to Stand Firm Against Putin Ahead of U.S. Visit/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ French President Emmanuel Macron will meet President Trump on Monday, urging him to remain strong against Russian aggression amid Ukraine peace talks. Macron emphasized that U.S. and European interests align in resisting Putin’s advances. He warned that any peace deal must not lead to Ukraine’s surrender or encourage further Russian expansion.
Macron’s Message to Trump Quick Looks:
- Macron urges Trump not to show weakness toward Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- The French president warns that surrendering Ukraine would embolden further Russian aggression.
- Macron to meet Trump in Washington on Monday for U.S.-led Ukraine peace talks.
- Trump’s openness to direct negotiations with Moscow has raised European concerns.
- Macron acknowledges that Trump’s unpredictability could strengthen Western leverage.
- France supports peace but opposes any ceasefire that compromises Ukraine’s sovereignty.
- Macron signals European commitment to increase defense spending.
- French troops may join a future Ukraine security force post-peace agreement, not combat missions.
- Macron stresses unified transatlantic efforts to counter both Russian and Chinese influence.
- European leaders push for Ukrainian and European inclusion in peace negotiations.
Macron Urges Trump to Stand Firm Against Putin Ahead of U.S. Visit
Deep Look:
“You can’t be weak in the face of President Putin.” Macron’s remarks come as the United States leads renewed diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s nearly three-year war against Ukraine.
During a Thursday Q&A session on social media, Macron emphasized that American and European interests are closely aligned in resisting Russian aggression.
“If you let Russia take over Ukraine, it would be unstoppable,” he warned. Macron plans to press this point during face-to-face talks with Trump, highlighting the broader global stakes, including the West’s credibility in countering China.
Trump’s recent comments, which appear to align with some of Moscow’s narratives, have unsettled European leaders and Ukrainian officials. His willingness to negotiate directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin—without guaranteed involvement from European or Ukrainian leaders—has fueled concerns about the future of Western unity.
Despite these worries, Macron acknowledged that Trump’s unpredictability might benefit the negotiations. “Putin doesn’t know what he’s going to do,” Macron said. “This uncertainty is good for us and for Ukraine.”
Macron stressed that any peace deal must not come at Ukraine’s expense. “We want peace. But we don’t want a ceasefire that means Ukraine surrendering because that’s dangerous,” he said. Allowing Russia to solidify gains through a weak agreement could encourage further territorial ambitions, Macron cautioned.
The French president also addressed defense commitments, indicating Europe’s readiness to increase its military spending—a response to longstanding U.S. calls for NATO allies to boost contributions.
“Us, Europeans, we must increase our war effort,” Macron said, signaling a willingness to share more of the security burden.
When asked about deploying French forces to Ukraine, Macron ruled out combat involvement but left the door open to participating in post-war security operations.
“We don’t rule out the possibility of having forces which, once peace has been negotiated, could contribute to guaranteeing Ukraine’s security,” he explained. Such forces would be part of a broader international framework to stabilize Ukraine after hostilities end.
Macron’s visit to Washington aims to reinforce transatlantic unity while urging Trump to maintain pressure on Russia. European leaders fear that a rushed or one-sided peace deal could not only jeopardize Ukraine’s future but also embolden authoritarian regimes worldwide. By stressing the shared stakes, Macron hopes to align Trump’s approach with that of European allies, emphasizing that strength—not concession—will secure lasting peace.
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