France: French President Emmanuel Macron has stated his intent to urge former US President Donald Trump to stand firm against Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting the mutual interests of Americans and Europeans in ensuring a strong stance against Russia. His comments come as US-led negotiations continue to seek an end to the nearly three-year-long war in Ukraine.

Macron is set to travel to Washington on Monday for a meeting with Trump, as confirmed by the White House.

Macron’s message to Trump

In a one-hour question-and-answer session on social media on Thursday, Macron made it clear that he would press Trump to maintain a firm position against Putin.

“You can’t be weak in the face of President Putin. It’s not you, it’s not your trademark, it’s not in your interest. How can you then be credible in the face of China if you’re weak in the face of Putin?” Macron said.

Trump’s recent remarks, which have echoed some of Putin’s narratives and suggested direct negotiations with Moscow, have raised concerns among European allies and Ukrainian officials. However, Macron noted that Trump’s approach, which introduces “uncertainty” into talks with Russia, might actually strengthen Western allies in their negotiations.

‘Uncertainty’ as a strategy

According to Macron, Trump’s unpredictability could work to the West’s advantage.

“Putin doesn’t know what he (Trump) is going to do, he thinks (Trump) is capable of anything,” Macron said. “This uncertainty is good for us and for Ukraine.”

He also emphasised that he would attempt to persuade Trump that American and European interests are aligned when it comes to deterring Russian aggression.

“If you let Russia take over Ukraine, it would be unstoppable,” he warned.

Macron stressed that any resolution to the war must involve Ukraine and European nations at the negotiation table.

“We want peace, but we don’t want a ceasefire that means Ukraine surrendering, because that’s dangerous. And we know that would lead to Russia going further. We’ve already experienced it,” he explained.

His comments reinforce the stance that any agreement with Russia must be carefully crafted to prevent further aggression from Moscow.

European Defence spending and troop deployment

Macron also appeared open to addressing Trump’s calls for increased European defence spending.

“Us, Europeans, we must increase our war effort,” he stated.

When asked whether he was considering sending French troops to Ukraine, Macron clarified that he had no intention of deploying combat forces but suggested a potential security force to ensure stability once a peace deal is reached.

“We don’t rule out, within a framework planned with our allies, the possibility of having forces which, once peace has been negotiated, could contribute to guaranteeing Ukraine’s security,” he said.

AP