Emmanuel Macron meets Donald Trump in Washington and calls for “lasting and solid” peace in Ukraine

At the end of a videoconference meeting with the 19 heads of state and government of EU and NATO member countries, Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed on X: “The position of France and its partners is clear and united. We want a lasting and solid peace in Ukraine”. This meeting took place just two days after an initial meeting at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Monday, February 17, attended by Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission and the Secretary General of NATO.

Visiting Washington on Monday February 24, French President Emmanuel Macron once again called for a “lasting and solid” peace in Ukraine. Emmanuel Macron’s aim for the few hours of his trip was to put Europe back at the heart of discussions on ending the war in Ukraine, following the rapprochement between Washington and Moscow. This is “an important moment”, according to the French president, who believes that “Europe is ready to be a more important partner in the defense and security of the continent”. “This peace cannot mean Ukraine’s capitulation. This peace cannot be a ceasefire without guarantees”, he stressed. Emmanuel Macron believes that a “truce” is possible between the two countries “in the coming weeks”.

The meeting between Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump was punctuated by moments of diplomatic complicity, between humor and praise: “It’s the most beautiful language. I have no idea what he said, but it’s the most elegant and beautiful language,” said Donald Trump, for example, after Emmanuel Macron’s remarks in French.

“I think we’ve made a lot of progress,” said the President of the United States, referring to the G7 meeting held the same day. “We’re trying to put an end to this war between Ukraine and Russia. I think we’ve made a lot of progress in just a few weeks,” said a satisfied Donald Trump.

Emmanuel Macron is the first European head of state to travel to Washington to meet President Trump since the start of his second term.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is scheduled to visit Washington on Thursday.