Peace in Ukraine: Macron and Trump Express Optimism, But Fears of Surrender Linger
WASHINGTON: French President Emmanuel Macron warned on Monday that peace cannot mean the "surrender" of Ukraine, but said that talks with US President Donald Trump had shown a path forward despite fears of a transatlantic rift.
Meeting at the White House
Macron and Trump met at the White House on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, discussing the idea of sending peacekeepers to Ukraine. Trump insisted that Europe should shoulder the burden, which Macron rejected, saying that "this peace cannot mean the surrender of Ukraine. We want a quick deal but not a fragile one."
Progress on Peacekeepers
Macron and Trump expressed optimism about the prospects for peace in Ukraine, with Macron saying that "after speaking with President Trump, I fully believe there is a path forward." The two leaders also discussed the possibility of sending European peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, with Macron offering to deploy "peaceful deployments of troops, not for combat."
Fears of Surrender
However, Trump’s recent statements have sparked fears that the US is abandoning its support for Ukraine and embracing Russia’s positions on the war. Trump has accused Ukraine of starting the war and has expressed his readiness to resume diplomacy with Russia.
UN Resolution
In a move that has raised concerns, the US has pushed its own language at the UN, declining to blame Russia for the conflict and siding with Moscow and North Korea. The resolution has been met with widespread criticism, with many seeing it as a sign that the US is abandoning its commitment to supporting Ukraine.
European Response
Macron has been working to coordinate a European response to Washington’s sudden policy shift, meeting with leaders across the continent, including Moscow-friendly Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. He will also visit the White House on Thursday, where he will meet with Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has also offered to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine.
Conclusion
Despite the challenges and uncertainties surrounding the conflict in Ukraine, Macron and Trump’s meeting at the White House has offered a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution. However, the path forward remains uncertain, and the international community will be watching closely to see if the US and Europe can work together to bring an end to the conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What did Macron and Trump discuss during their meeting at the White House?
A: Macron and Trump discussed the idea of sending peacekeepers to Ukraine, with Trump insisting that Europe should shoulder the burden.
Q: What is the current state of the conflict in Ukraine?
A: The conflict in Ukraine has been ongoing since 2022, with fighting between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists. The war has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians.
Q: What is the position of the US on the conflict in Ukraine?
A: The US has historically supported Ukraine, but Trump has recently expressed his readiness to resume diplomacy with Russia and has accused Ukraine of starting the war.
Q: What is the role of the European Union in the conflict?
A: The European Union has been a key player in the conflict, providing financial and military support to Ukraine. Macron has been working to coordinate a European response to Washington’s sudden policy shift.