Trump and Macron at Odds Over Ukraine Strategy, Exposing U.S.-Europe Divide

TDT | Manama

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U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron showcased stark differences in their approach to the Ukraine conflict during high-level discussions on Monday, highlighting a growing rift between the United States and Europe regarding Trump’s push for a swift ceasefire with Russia.

While both leaders maintained a cordial rapport, Macron did not shy away from expressing his disagreements with Trump on key issues as they marked three years since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. One of the most notable points of contention was Trump's reluctance to label Russian President Vladimir Putin a dictator, particularly after his recent controversial comment referring to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as a dictator. Macron, by contrast, firmly stated that Russia was the clear aggressor in the ongoing conflict.

“President Putin violated the peace,” Macron declared during a joint press conference alongside Trump.

Trump emphasized his desire to broker a ceasefire “as soon as possible,” suggesting he might travel to Moscow to meet Putin once a deal is reached. Macron, however, advocated for a more structured approach, proposing an initial truce followed by a comprehensive peace deal with security guarantees.

“We want peace, he wants peace. We want peace swiftly, but we don’t want an agreement that is weak,” Macron told reporters, stressing that any agreement must be “assessed, checked, and verified.”

Despite their differences, the two leaders found common ground on the potential deployment of European peacekeeping forces once a settlement is reached. Macron clarified that these forces would not be positioned along the front lines or involved in active combat but would ensure adherence to the peace agreement.

“They would not be part of any conflict. They would be there to ensure that the peace is respected,” Macron stated during an Oval Office meeting with Trump. Trump expressed his support for the idea, asserting that Putin was also amenable to the proposal.

“Yeah, he will accept that,” Trump said regarding Putin’s stance on peacekeepers. “I specifically asked him that question. He has no problem with it.”

Macron's visit marks the first by a European leader since Trump returned to power last month. The French president described his discussions with Trump as a “turning point” in efforts to forge a more unified international strategy.

Macron, who has maintained a working relationship with Trump since their first presidential terms, demonstrated a careful balancing act—engaging with the unpredictable U.S. leader without alienating him. In a subtle correction during their Oval Office meeting, Macron gently touched Trump’s arm as he clarified that not all European aid to Ukraine had been delivered as loans, countering Trump’s assertion.

Meanwhile, Trump reported progress on negotiations regarding a revenue-sharing agreement between Ukraine and the U.S. involving Ukrainian minerals. The proposed agreement aims to help recoup the cost of weaponry supplied to Kyiv during the previous Biden administration. Trump stated that he expects Zelenskiy to visit the U.S. within the next two weeks to finalize the deal.

The Trump administration’s pursuit of a minerals revenue-sharing arrangement is seen as an effort to offset financial support previously extended to Ukraine in the form of military aid, signaling a shift in Washington’s approach to its assistance strategy. As discussions continue, the global community watches closely to see whether Trump's push for a swift ceasefire aligns with European efforts to ensure a lasting and secure peace in Ukraine.