Washington DC, 24 February 2025
President Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Washington to discuss pathways to ending the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump expressed optimism that Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to make a deal, stating, “I really believe that he wants to make a deal.” The meeting was seen as a significant step in negotiations, with both leaders exploring options for a peaceful resolution.
Macron’s Push for Ukrainian Sovereignty
Macron emphasized that any peace agreement must preserve Ukraine’s sovereignty and not equate to a forced surrender or an unsupported ceasefire. He highlighted the importance of security guarantees for Ukraine and praised Trump for working with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on a rare minerals agreement, which could strengthen Ukraine’s position.
U.S. Policy Shift and UN Vote
The U.S. voted against a United Nations resolution condemning Russia’s invasion, marking a notable shift in American foreign policy. This decision alarmed European allies. Dorothy Shea from the U.S. Mission to the UN stated the need for a resolution focusing on a “durable end to the war.” Trump declined to comment on the UN vote during his press conference with Macron.
Prospects for Peace and Security Guarantees
Trump suggested that the war could end “within weeks” and hinted at an upcoming visit from Zelenskyy to finalize a rare earth minerals deal. He also revealed that Putin expressed willingness to allow European peacekeepers in Ukraine as part of a peace deal, though their role would be limited to maintaining peace rather than engaging in conflict.
Diverging U.S.-Europe Perspectives on Ukraine Support
While the discussions were cordial, differences emerged regarding European support for Ukraine. Trump referred to Europe’s aid as a “loan,” while Macron corrected him, highlighting Europe’s significant financial contributions. Macron also indicated that some European nations might send peacekeeping forces to Ukraine, but strictly in non-combat roles.
Future Diplomatic Engagements
Trump is scheduled to meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer later in the week, continuing diplomatic efforts around the Ukraine conflict. The outcome of these talks, especially regarding U.S. support for Ukraine, will be closely watched by European leaders eager to maintain a united front against Russian aggression.
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