French President Emmanuel Macron traveled to Washington in a bid to salvage U.S.-Europe relations and secure continued support for Ukraine, as Donald Trump moves closer to Russia.
On February 24, Macron met with Trump at the White House, hoping to bridge the growing divide between the U.S. and Ukraine and set a roadmap for ending the conflict.
With transatlantic tensions rising, European leaders are increasingly concerned about Trump’s harsh criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his growing alignment with Moscow.
Trump’s Direct Talks with Putin Exclude Ukraine and Europe
Trump recently spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin to push for negotiations to end the war. On February 18, senior U.S. and Russian delegations met in Saudi Arabia to discuss the Ukraine conflict and U.S.-Russia relations—without Ukraine or European allies present.
Meanwhile, two key Trump officials—Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth—sparked outrage during their first visit to Europe by criticizing NATO allies and dismissing Ukraine’s NATO membership or full territorial recovery as “unrealistic.”
Adding to European concerns, on the same day Macron arrived in Washington, the U.S. voted against a UN resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, aligning with Russia, North Korea, and Iran in opposition to the motion.
Macron’s White House Strategy: Flattery and Diplomacy
At the Oval Office, Macron sought to repair transatlantic ties, bringing Trump closer to Europe and Ukraine. He repeatedly addressed Trump as "my dear Donald" and thanked him for adjusting his schedule to meet.
"Macron sees himself as the Trump whisperer," said Brian Bennet of Time Magazine. "His cautious approach to the U.S. president was on full display at the White House."
Observers noted that the meeting projected cordiality—at least in front of the cameras. Macron later claimed that progress had been made in securing U.S. support for a European-led peacekeeping force in Ukraine, should a ceasefire be reached.
Meanwhile, Trump praised Macron’s leadership, specifically his role in rebuilding Notre Dame Cathedral after the 2019 fire.
Macron’s Complex History with Trump
Macron’s relationship with Trump has been long and complicated. During Trump’s first term, the two leaders engaged in high-profile meetings, warm handshakes, and mutual respect, but also clashed over sharp policy differences.
Now, Macron is not only trying to maintain ties with Washington but also preparing for a future where the U.S. may no longer be Europe’s most reliable ally against Russia.
"It’s time to end the bloodshed and restore peace. I believe we will do this together. Since I returned to the White House, we’ve had great conversations—including with Russia," Trump said in the East Room, standing beside Macron.
Macron, in what appeared to be a subtle warning about Ukraine, responded: "I don’t think anyone in this room wants to live in a world where international laws and borders can be violated day after day."
Trump’s Ukraine-Mineral Deal: A Strategy for Continued U.S. Interest?
While Trump’s proposal to exchange U.S. aid for access to Ukraine’s mineral resources has been widely criticized, Macron sees it as a way to keep Trump engaged in Ukraine’s future.
He revealed that Zelensky would visit Washington in the coming weeks to discuss the mineral deal, calling it "a major step forward" and possibly "a turning point" in keeping the U.S. involved in peace negotiations.
Trump Remains Noncommittal on European Security
At the joint press conference, Trump made no firm commitments on Ukraine or Europe’s security. Instead, Macron took it upon himself to speak on behalf of the U.S., declaring that any Ukraine peace deal negotiated with Russia must include security guarantees for Kyiv—and that violating such a deal would mean war with all participating nations.
Analysts noted that Macron was trying to publicly lock Trump into a commitment on European security.
"We want peace quickly, but not an unfair peace. Some European nations are ready to provide security guarantees, and now there’s a clear message that the U.S. is aligned with that approach. I believe this is a turning point," Macron said.
He also praised the U.S. as Europe’s strongest deterrent force, pointing to America’s 75-year NATO commitment to defending Europe from Russian threats.
However, Trump neither confirmed nor denied Macron’s claims. Instead, he downplayed Europe’s security concerns:
"I don’t think you need much U.S. security presence in Ukraine. Once a deal is signed, Russia will go back to its business, and so will Ukraine and Europe," Trump said.
Macron Warns Trump Against Trusting Putin
Macron also cautioned Trump against trusting Putin, recalling his own failed attempts to secure security guarantees from Moscow before the Ukraine invasion.
"Putin denied everything, but we received no guarantees. That’s why strong deterrence is the only way to ensure we are respected," Macron said.
Before his trip, Macron expressed confidence that he could convince Trump that "cooperating with Russia is not in his best interest."
"I know and respect him, and I believe he respects me. I will tell President Trump, ‘You cannot appear weak when dealing with Putin. That is not who you are, it is not your brand, and it will not benefit you,’" Macron said in a live Q&A last week.
Europe Prepares for U.S. Uncertainty
Macron held two emergency meetings with European leaders last week, seeking a unified strategy to counter U.S. moves, strengthen Ukraine’s position, and enhance Europe’s defense capabilities.
Before traveling to Washington, Macron also spoke with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is scheduled to meet with Trump this week to continue Europe’s negotiations with the U.S. on Ukraine.
France and the UK have been leading discussions on deploying European peacekeepers to Ukraine after the war, but other European nations have yet to fully agree on a plan.
"Macron knows how to handle this situation, but there is no guarantee that his approach will succeed in persuading Trump," said Dr. Celia Belin, a U.S. policy expert at the European Council on Foreign Relations.
(Sources: Time, Washington Post, AFP)
Hello Shuttle will strive to bring the latest updates. At the end of the day.
Are you looking for reliable airport and cruise port transfer services in Los Angeles?
We offer professional, safe, and punctual transportation from
Los Angeles Airport - LAX
Long Beach Airport - LGB
John Wayne Airport - SNA
San Pedro cruise port
Long Beach cruise port
Disneyland
and other destinations.
Let us make your journey stress-free and comfortable with our dedicated drivers and high-quality vehicles. Book now for the perfect travel experience at www.helloshuttle.com or call 944-800-5678!
