French President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit Washington on Monday for talks with President Trump, where he intends to convey a strong message regarding relations with Russia. In a recent social media session, Macron asserted that Trump must not show weakness towards President Putin, emphasising that such a stance could undermine credibility in dealings with China. Macron recognises that Trump’s unpredictable approach might actually benefit Western allies by creating uncertainty for Putin, which he believes could enhance their negotiating position.
Macron aims to persuade Trump that the interests of the US and Europe align, cautioning that if Russia were to succeed in Ukraine, it would set a dangerous precedent. He reiterated his commitment to seeking peace but firmly rejected any ceasefire that would lead to Ukraine’s capitulation, highlighting the historical consequences of previous concessions to Russia.
Additionally, Macron expressed readiness to respond to Trump’s call for increased European defence spending and outlined that while he would not send French troops to combat, he would consider deploying them in a peacekeeping capacity once an agreement is reached. Macron emphasised the need for a security framework involving allied forces to ensure Ukraine’s safety post-conflict.