Macron talks about new mission to 'ease relations' between Ukraine and US
Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Archive photo: president.gov)
French President Emmanuel Macron has set a goal to revive dialogue between the Ukrainian and US authorities, despite the rift between the leaders of the two nations, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump, on Friday at the White House. He is confident that distancing from Kyiv does not align with Washington’s interests, according to Macron’s interview with La Tribune Dimanche.
Describing the emotional exchange between Trump and Zelenskyy on Friday in the Oval Office during a conversation with the media on Saturday, French President Macron noted that the press conference did not go as planned.
However, Macron does not believe that this surreal moment is synonymous with a rupture in relations between the two countries.
"I believe that, aside from anger, everyone needs to return to calm, respect, and recognition so that we can move forward concretely because what is at stake is too important," he insisted.
Macron also revealed that he has set himself a new mission – to calm the relations between the leaders of Ukraine and the US.
On Friday evening, French President Macron called his Ukrainian and US counterparts.
"These matters are better addressed through strategic and confidential discussions to move forward and clarify misunderstandings between people, but not in front of witnesses," Macron noted.
It was reported that during the phone call with the French leader, Zelenskyy expressed his desire to restore dialogue with Washington, particularly regarding the minerals deal he was set to sign in Washington.
Macron also expressed his belief that the US has no choice but to restore this dialogue as well.
"The clear role of the Americans is to stand by the Ukrainians, I have no doubt about that. What the US has done over the past three years fully aligns with their diplomatic and military traditions. I want to make it clear to the Americans that distancing themselves from Ukraine is not in their interests," he emphasized.
Commenting on rumors that Trump may now be more inclined to broker a ceasefire with Russian President Vladimir Putin than uphold America's traditional values, Macron called it a mistake.
"Of course, we all agree on making peace. But there can be no fair and lasting peace when Ukraine is abandoned," the French president stressed.
Macron also assured that if Washington were to agree to sign a ceasefire without any security guarantees for Ukraine, its geostrategic deterrence capability regarding Russia, China, and others would disappear that very day.
"Donald Trump's ambitions are the opposite of this," the French president believes.
Macron is also convinced that Putin's Russia now poses an existential threat to Europe like never before.
"On our borders, there is a rearmed and aggressive Russia. He (Putin) is carrying out terrorist acts and large-scale disinformation campaigns here and in Europe. He believes that if no one stops the Kremlin master, he will certainly move on to Moldova and possibly further to Romania," the French leader stated.
Macron also emphasized that our security is at stake.
Despite all obstacles, the French president remains convinced that the path to a strong and lasting peace is still possible. Macron has not abandoned the idea, developed together with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, of deploying European troops to offer security guarantees for Ukraine.
Earlier, French President Macron disagreed with Trump's remarks claiming that Zelenskyy was playing with World War III. He emphasized that it is Russian President Putin who is doing so.
For more on the argument of the year, the consequences of the Zelenskyy-Trump conflict, and whether Europe can save the situation, read the article by RBC-Ukraine.
