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French President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit the White House on the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. His goal is to persuade U.S. President Donald Trump to support Ukraine and consider the safety of America's allies. Macron's visit comes as Trump continues to strengthen ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will also visit Washington later this week, following Macron’s discussions with Trump. European leaders are closely monitoring the situation, as they seek to ensure Ukraine's security and maintain unity against Russian aggression.
Macron’s Message to Trump
Before departing for Washington, Macron posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating that European leaders are "committed to ensuring that peace returns to Ukraine in a just, solid, and lasting manner." He emphasized the need for strong European security and called for continued support for Ukraine.
Macron has made it clear that he will urge Trump not to show weakness toward Putin. "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," he said during an online Q&A session.
Our common objective with President @realDonaldTrump is to build a solid and long-standing peace. The USA and France will always stand on the same side of history. pic.twitter.com/No3wYAMiDI
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) February 24, 2025
Trump’s Shift in Foreign Policy Worries Europe
Trump shocked European nations when he declared his readiness to negotiate with Putin without involving Ukraine or European allies. He has also echoed Russian claims that Ukraine bears some responsibility for the war, further alarming European leaders.
To counter this shift, Macron held two meetings with key European leaders last week. He described Russia as "an existential threat to Europeans" and stressed the importance of a united response.
Macron’s Diplomatic Efforts and European Support
Macron has been actively coordinating with European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Despite political challenges at home, Macron remains influential on the global stage, particularly in defense matters. As commander-in-chief of the French armed forces, he is in a strong position to negotiate on security issues.
Trump and Macron’s Relationship
Macron and Trump first met as presidents in 2017 and shared a mix of friendly gestures and political disagreements. While Macron failed to persuade Trump to remain in the Paris climate agreement or the Iran nuclear deal, their relationship remains significant.
Trump recently attended the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, and he and Macron have maintained regular phone conversations. French officials believe this rapport gives Macron an edge in negotiations.
What Macron Hopes to Achieve in Washington
Macron aims to convince Trump to:
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Continue supporting Ukraine with military aid.
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Respect Ukraine's sovereignty.
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Strengthen European security cooperation.
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Avoid making unilateral agreements with Russia.
The French presidency has expressed confidence that Macron can secure commitments from Trump while also reassuring European allies about their collective defense.
Conclusion
Macron’s visit to Washington is crucial in shaping U.S.-European relations amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. While his diplomatic experience and relationship with Trump may help, there is no guarantee of success. European leaders are watching closely, hoping for a strong stance from the U.S. in support of Ukraine.
