Macron to urge Trump on Putin: 'You can't be weak with him'
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Trump is set to meet with Macron on Monday and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday at the White House.
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French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a joint news conference with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the presidential palace in Baabda, in east of Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, January 17, 2025. (AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that France is entering a "new era" in global politics and intends to urge US President Donald Trump to maintain a firm stance against Russian President Vladimir Putin. Macron's statement comes as Europe faces uncertainty following Trump's decision to re-engage in diplomacy with Putin to end the three-year war in Ukraine, bypassing European allies and Kiev.
Speaking ahead of his upcoming visit to Washington, Macron revealed his plan to press Trump on his approach to Russia, stressing, "You can't be weak with President Putin. That's not who you are, it's not your trademark, it's not in your interest." Macron made this declaration during a Q&A session with the French public on social media.
Trump is set to meet with Macron on Monday and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday at the White House. These meetings follow Trump's announcement of his willingness to negotiate directly with Putin to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, a move that has alarmed European leaders.
European concerns over Trump's shift on Russia
Trump's comments have caused unease across Europe, with concerns growing over the potential impact on European security. French officials have warned of the significant threat posed by Russia, with Macron stating, "Russia poses an existential threat to Europeans."
Macron underlined the need for France to "beef up security" in light of the changing US-Russia dynamic. He added, "I am convinced that we are entering a new era. It will impose choices on us. We Europeans must increase our war effort."
Read more: Russia asked US to withdraw NATO from eastern Europe: Financial Times
While Macron ruled out an immediate deployment of French troops to Ukraine, he disclosed that France is contemplating security guarantees for Ukraine if a ceasefire agreement with Russia is reached.
"I have not decided to send troops to Ukraine tomorrow, no," Macron clarified. "What we are considering instead is sending forces to guarantee peace once it has been negotiated."
A French government source confirmed that France is working with European partners to provide security assurances to Ukraine should a ceasefire be brokered.
Diplomatic talks with Zelensky
Macron also announced plans to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to coordinate diplomatic efforts amid the evolving US-Russia relations. Recent interactions between the Ukrainian and American Presidents have been marked by escalating tensions and public disputes.
In a recent social media post, Trump referred to Zelensky as a "dictator without elections," criticizing Ukraine's decision to delay elections due to the ongoing conflict. Trump suggested that Zelensky "better move fast" or risk losing his country.
In response, Zelensky accused Trump of being influenced by Russian disinformation, stating that the US president is "trapped in a Russian disinformation bubble."
Read more: Trump calls Zelensky a 'modestly successful comedian', 'dictator'
The situation further deteriorated when a planned news conference between Zelensky and US envoy Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg was abruptly canceled at the US's request, turning the event into a mere photo opportunity. This move avoided public discussion of the diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
