Macron Meets Trump: Europe's Plan for Ukraine

Emmanuel Macron, the French President, recently met with Donald Trump at the White House. Macron described this meeting as a significant step forward in convincing Trump to support Europe's plan to deploy troops in Ukraine. Macron believes that this support from the US is crucial for the success of Europe's efforts to ensure security in Ukraine. Macron and other European leaders are ready to take on the main responsibility for security in Ukraine after the war, but they need the US to provide logistical and intelligence support, as well as military protection. Macron said Trump agreed to this role. Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer have been working together to present a proposal to Trump. This proposal includes deploying a "reassurance force" that would rely mostly on air power and be backed by the US. Macron and Starmer have coordinated their messages, emphasizing the need for US support. Despite Macron's optimism, there is no definitive agreement on the nature of US support for Ukraine. Trump has been vague about the extent of US backing for European troops, stating that European countries might not need much support. Trump also surprisingly claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin would accept European troops in Ukraine, which the Kremlin quickly denied. European leaders are worried that Trump might rush into a ceasefire deal with Putin that favors Russia. They are also concerned about being left out of negotiations between Russia and the US. Macron had to walk a fine line during his visit, avoiding criticism of Trump while also correcting some of Trump's statements about aid to Ukraine. Macron's visit was seen as successful by some, but there are concerns that he might be too optimistic about Trump's willingness to support Europe's plans. European diplomats appreciate Macron's efforts, but some worry that he might be too open to Trump's ideas on Ukraine. The meeting comes at a time when Europe is increasingly concerned about the potential for a ceasefire that favors Russia. Macron's visit was seen as a positive step, but it remains to be seen whether Trump will fully commit to supporting Europe's plans for Ukraine.