Janice R. Andrews
Macron Visits White House as Europe Pressures Trump on Ukraine Stance
French President Emmanuel Macron became the first European leader to meet with Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, as European nations unite to defend Ukraine. The visit follows concerns about Trump’s recent comments questioning Ukraine’s role in the conflict and indicating a potential U.S. policy shift.
Ahead of the meeting, Macron emphasized his intention to persuade Trump that standing strong against Russian President Vladimir Putin serves U.S. interests. “You cannot be weak in the face of Putin,” Macron stated during a social media Q&A before his visit.
The timing coincides with a G7 leaders’ call marking three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will also visit Washington later this week, reinforcing Europe’s position. Starmer recently imposed new sanctions on Russia, arguing that economic pressure must continue to force Putin into meaningful peace talks.
European allies have grown concerned about Trump’s position on Ukraine, especially following his 90-minute call with Putin. Russian officials suggest a Trump-Putin summit is being planned, while Trump’s relationship with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has deteriorated, partly due to Ukraine’s refusal to grant the U.S. access to its rare earth minerals.
European leaders worry that Trump might push for a Russia-favorable peace deal without Ukraine’s involvement. As France and the UK pledge increased military support for Ukraine, their leaders aim to prevent any agreement that would undermine European security.
With Trump also meeting Poland’s president over the weekend, the White House has become the center of urgent European diplomatic efforts. The coming days will reveal whether Macron and Starmer can influence Trump’s approach to Putin and the Ukraine conflict.
