In a historic visit on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron became the first European leader to meet with Donald Trump at the White House. The timing of this meeting is critical as Europe steps up its efforts to support Ukraine on the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The meeting also highlights the growing tension between the US and its European allies over how best to approach the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Macron’s visit comes at a time when Trump has stirred controversy by openly criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, claiming that Ukraine, not Russia, started the war. This narrative has raised alarm among European leaders, who have consistently placed the blame for the conflict squarely on Russia’s shoulders.

Ahead of his visit, Macron expressed his intent to present Trump with strong arguments against capitulating to Russian President Vladimir Putin. During a social media session, Macron said, “I will tell him: Deep down you cannot be weak in the face of President Putin. It’s not you, it’s not what you’re made of, and it’s not in your interests.”

The meeting between Macron and Trump coincided with a virtual conference call involving G7 leaders, marking the solemn anniversary of Russia’s invasion. Macron, alongside other European leaders, is expected to emphasize the importance of maintaining a unified stance on Ukraine, particularly in the face of Trump’s evolving position. On Thursday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will also meet with Trump, continuing the diplomatic push to ensure that Europe’s collective voice remains strong in defense of Ukraine.

In a preview of his upcoming talks with Trump, Starmer unveiled new sanctions against Russia, emphasizing the need to increase economic pressure on Putin to force him into concessions. He acknowledged that Trump’s rhetoric had “changed the global conversation” around Ukraine, a shift that European leaders are concerned may lead to a premature peace agreement that undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty. Starmer clarified his earlier statement, noting that Trump’s influence has “changed the conversation for the better,” but the shift in US policy remains a point of contention.

As Europe’s nuclear powers, the UK and France have signaled their willingness to not only continue supporting Ukraine with military and economic aid but also to bolster a European military force to safeguard any future peace agreement. These moves underscore Europe’s determination to maintain a strong position in Ukraine’s defense, particularly as Trump’s rhetoric seems to suggest a potential for a deal with Russia that leaves Ukraine out of the negotiation process.

The stark contrast in approaches between the Biden administration and Trump was also evident earlier this month when Trump held a 90-minute phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This direct engagement with the Russian leader has prompted concerns among European leaders, who fear that any peace deal brokered by Trump without Ukrainian involvement could ultimately favor Putin’s interests, given Russia’s strategic advantage in the conflict.

This shift in US policy has further strained relations between Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky. The tension reached a boiling point after Zelensky rejected a proposal from Trump that would allow the US access to rare earth minerals in Ukraine. These minerals, crucial for producing mobile phones and other advanced technologies, are seen as a potential bargaining chip in any peace talks. Trump’s push for these minerals as part of a deal has been met with resistance from Ukraine, deepening the rift between the two leaders.

As European leaders engage with Trump and attempt to sway his stance, the future of Ukraine’s sovereignty remains uncertain. With the US potentially shifting its position on the war, European powers like France and the UK are working to ensure that Ukraine’s voice remains central in any discussions and that Russia is held accountable for its actions. How the diplomatic landscape will evolve in the coming months could have profound implications for the trajectory of the conflict and the broader geopolitical balance.

You also might be interested