The French president is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump at the White House on February 24th.
PARIS – President Emmanuel Macron will meet President Donald Trump in Washington on February 24th.
His visit precedes the visit of British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer, who is expected to arrive three days later, in a US-led effort to end the three-year war in Ukraine.
Macron, who said he frequently speaks with Trump as speculation is widespread about Trump’s strategy to resolve competition, said Washington’s approach is consistent with the interests of the European Union, and Ukraine should guarantee seats at the negotiation table He is trying to convince his US counterparts that this is the case.
At a press conference on February 21, Macron’s senior counselor, Bertrand Buchwalter, confirmed that Ukraine is at the heart of the debate in Washington.
“The president ensures that the interests of Ukraine and Europe will be considered with the aim of supporting Trump’s desire to end the war,” Buchwalter said.
According to Walid Fouque, another Macron counselor, “This also provides an opportunity to address trade issues and major projects we want to continue our pursuit with the US.”
Related Stories
During a social media Q&A session on February 20, the French president outlined the core message he intended to provide to Trump. It’s not you, it’s your trademark, it’s not your interest. ”
Macron said his goal is to link Ukraine’s fate to broader US strategic goals.
“You want to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, and you can’t afford to be weakened by the leaders actively supporting them,” he said. “You, who want to stop China from challenging Taiwan: Can you argue that China has no right to invade Taiwan while Russia has the right to invade Ukraine?
“These are the points I make for him. These are arguments I believe can resonate.”
Macron also tried to persuade Trump that US interests and European interests are in harmony, telling him, “If we take over Ukraine to Russia, that would not be stopped.”
“Russia will absorb the largest Ukrainian army in Europe, along with an arsenal that includes equipment supplied by the US,” Macron said.
The French leader also said the peace agreement should be negotiated with both Ukrainians and Europeans at the table.
“We want peace,” he said. “But we don’t want a ceasefire that means surrendering Ukraine, because it’s dangerous. And we know that it will lead to Russia going even further. We’ve already experienced it. Masu.”
In ongoing negotiations, Macron presented Trump’s diplomatic style as both risk and opportunity.
“Donald Trump wants to make a deal, which creates uncertainty for others,” he said. “That uncertainty can be a strategic advantage when directed at Vladimir Putin. Putin believes, “Trump can do anything.” It makes him careful and that’s good for us and Ukraine.
“The flip side is creating uncertainty in all our allies.
“That’s why we see tension in Europe. They fear that he may negotiate a deal that allows him too much to sacrifice Ukraine. I don’t think he will.”
Nodding to one of Trump’s long-standing demands, Macron showed that European countries must strengthen their defence commitments.
“We, as Europeans, have to increase our military efforts,” he said. “In March 2020, I said, ‘We’re at war.’ Today, in a way, we are at war and we must prepare for future conflicts. ”
Macron’s stance highlights growing concern among the EU government over the Trump administration’s debate to end the war in Ukraine, which is on the sidelines both the Ukrainian government and the EU. On February 18, US and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia to explore ceasefire conditions, demonstrated a major deviation from the Biden administration’s stance in US foreign policy, and issued Ukraine and the EU warnings.
Macron’s view on Ukraine’s role in conflict is in contrast to Trump’s position. The US President recently questioned the role and effectiveness of Ukrainian President Voldy Mie Zelensky in past negotiations related to the war.
“I think I have the power to end this war, and I think it’s going very well,” Trump said at a February 18 press conference at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. Ta. “But today I heard, ‘Oh, well, we weren’t invited.’ Well, you were there for three years. You should have finished it. ”
Trump also suggested that Ukraine is responsible for launching the war.
“You’re probably never going to start doing it,” he said. “You could have done a trade. I could have done a trade for Ukraine.”
Zelensky replied, accusing Trump of living in a “space of disinformation.” The US president called the Ukrainian leader “a dictator” and “a modestly successful comedian” and “talking to the United States to spend $350 billion on a war that they couldn’t win.”
In a voice interview with Fox News on February 21, Trump questioned the need to have Ukraine in negotiations.
“I don’t think (Zelenskyy) is very important to the meeting,” Trump said. “He’s been there for three years. He makes it very difficult to make a deal.”
Later during a gathering of US governors at the White House, Trump said Ukrainian leaders had no “cards” in consultations.
“I’ve had a very good talk with Putin, but I haven’t had that good talk with Ukraine,” he said. “They don’t have cards, but they play it tough. But they’re not going to continue doing this.”
