French President Emmanuel Macron met with Donald Trump in Washington DC, expressing optimism for a potential peace deal or ceasefire in Ukraine within weeks. Macron emphasized that any negotiations should involve Ukraine and Europe, and stressed the need for a credible agreement to prevent Russia from violating terms, as seen in past conflicts. He outlined a sequence for negotiations, prioritizing US-Russia talks followed by US-Ukraine discussions. Macron proposed increased European military support for Ukraine and assured Europe’s willingness to share defense costs, contingent upon US guarantees. The ongoing war has left thousands dead and caused significant economic damage to Ukraine.
Washington DC:
Following a lengthy meeting with Donald Trump in Washington DC, French President Emmanuel Macron outlined the conclusion of the conflict in Ukraine, indicating that a peace deal or ceasefire agreement is highly probable in the coming weeks. He elaborated on his discussions with President Trump and the anticipated outcomes.
During today’s talks with President Trump, President Macron represented the entire European continent, as Europe collectively prioritizes its security. Last week, Mr. Macron convened with senior leaders of the European Union in Paris while the United States and Russia engaged in discussions regarding Ukraine in Saudi Arabia.
The European leaders in Paris expressed apprehension that a direct agreement between the US and Russia regarding Ukraine might overlook Europe’s security concerns. They unanimously echoed that negotiations concerning the Ukraine war cannot proceed without the involvement of both Ukraine and Europe.
THE ENDGAME SEQUENCE
Donald Trump stated that the three-year conflict in Ukraine will conclude within weeks, and President Macron shared this optimistic outlook. Referring to President Trump’s involvement in the negotiations as a “game-changer,” the French President stated, “he (Trump) knows how to re-engage with Russia with the full deterrence capacity of the US.”
However, Mr. Macron urged the US President not to hasten a deal with Moscow. “In 2014, we reached a peace agreement with Russia. I can attest from personal experience—having been one of the two representatives alongside Germany responsible for monitoring the ceasefire—that Russia consistently violated the agreement, and none of us responded collectively. Therefore, the challenge revolves around trust and credibility—ensuring that Russia does not repeat this behavior,” he explained in an interview with Fox News.
He continued, stating, “The sequence for the ceasefire agreement should unfold as follows: First, negotiations should occur between the US and Russia, followed by discussions between the US and Ukraine. President Trump has announced today his willingness to have a short-term meeting with Ukraine’s President Zelensky—this is of utmost importance.”
“A truce could realistically occur in the upcoming weeks,” he remarked, adding that “the truce must be established on land, in the air, and at sea, and any infrastructure erected in Ukraine must be respected by Russia. Should it fail to comply, it will be evident that Moscow is not genuine in its pursuit of a peace deal” and Ukraine’s sovereignty.
On Fox News:pic.twitter.com/1dBUFDEOYW
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) February 25, 2025
“During this truce period, we engage in negotiations about security guarantees from Moscow, concerning lands and territories (to reclaim or concede), which will be the responsibility of the Ukrainian President (to protect Kyiv’s interests),” President Macron stated.
“For the United States,” he added, Washington “will secure a deal on rare earth and other essential minerals.” Confirming that France and the rest of Europe support this, Mr. Macron noted that such a mineral agreement would be crucial for Washington “as it would be the best assurance of the US’s commitment” not to withdraw from supporting Ukraine’s safety and sovereignty.
And as a result of these strategic actions, with all parties dedicated to upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty, a peace deal will ultimately come to fruition, he clarified.
KEY STEPS AFTER THE CEASEFIRE
“However, how can we guarantee that Russia will not breach this treaty in the future?” queried the French President, before providing his own answer. “There is no consensus within NATO regarding Ukraine’s membership, but if we (European NATO members) isolate Ukraine, as we did previously,” we risk another invasion from Russia, he explained.
“Thus, following the ceasefire, we need to determine what type of security guarantees we will require moving forward. One possibility is to enhance Ukraine’s capacity to maintain a robust army (along the Russian front). Another option would involve France and the UK collaborating on a proposal to deploy combined troops to Ukraine—not to the front lines or for confrontation, but stationed at locations mutually agreed upon by the treaty that all parties endorse. The objective would simply be to maintain a troop presence in Ukraine to monitor Russia’s credibility. Naturally, this will occur with the support of the US,” he stated.
Regarding Europe’s obligations and the division of costs, which President Trump has indicated is “lacking,” President Macron said, “We (Europe) are prepared to shoulder our fair share of the burden, as this is primarily a European issue. I have discussed this with approximately 30 European leaders, and many of them are willing to participate in such a defense structure. Nevertheless, Europe seeks assurance and solidarity from the US; if there is a Russian violation, and if Ukraine or Europe faces an attack, we need the US to back us.”
“I addressed this with President Trump this morning, and he explicitly conveyed his support. If we secure this commitment and solidarity from the US, I believe we will reach an agreement,” he concluded.
The war in Ukraine reached its third anniversary on February 24. Thousands of Ukrainian citizens have lost their lives, and over 6 million have become refugees abroad. Military casualties have been devastating, though they remain closely guarded secrets. The estimated cost of rebuilding Ukraine’s economy following Russia’s invasion has surged to $524 billion, nearly three times the anticipated economic output for 2024.