Trump and Macron Discuss Ukraine Conflict and European Security in Washington
U.S. President Donald Trump expresses hope for the end of the Ukraine war, while French President Emmanuel Macron emphasizes the need for Ukrainian sovereignty and security guarantees.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated his hope that the war in Ukraine is nearing its end, following a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House in Washington.
During a joint press conference after their discussions, Macron warned that peace could not equate to 'the capitulation of Ukraine.' He emphasized, 'We want peace.
That peace cannot mean the capitulation of Ukraine.
No one wants to live in a world where the law of the stronger prevails.' Macron expressed admiration for the courage of the Ukrainian people in their ongoing conflict with Russia.
He noted that a ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv would not hold without security guarantees.
In his opening remarks, Macron stated that European countries must contribute more to defense and security on the continent, thereby alleviating the financial burden currently disproportionately shouldered by the U.S.
'As Europeans, we are committed to participating in these security guarantees.
We are very aware that Europeans need to do more for security in Europe, for defense in Europe, and that we should share the security burden that your country has borne for so many years,' Macron told Trump.
The French president remarked that an end to hostilities in Ukraine, marking its third anniversary, cannot result in 'a ceasefire without guarantees.' He asserted that Ukrainian sovereignty is an 'existential issue for stability in Europe.'
'Ukraine has been able to hold the front line of our collective security.
It has fought for its independence and sovereignty over the past few years, but also for collective security,' he added.
Trump claimed that the war would not have occurred had he been president, stating that he had made more progress toward peace in Ukraine than had occurred in the last three years.
'Our focus is on achieving a ceasefire as soon as possible, and ultimately on achieving lasting peace.
My meeting with President Macron was a very important step forward,' Trump said.
He expressed satisfaction with Macron's agreement that the costs and responsibilities for ensuring peace should be borne by European nations, rather than solely by the U.S. 'I believe the American taxpayers deserve to get back the huge amounts of money we have sent,' Trump remarked.
The U.S. president committed to a complete break from the Ukraine policy of Democratic President Joe Biden, stating that discussions between Russia and his administration were progressing toward peace 'fairly quickly.'
The press conference followed Trump and Macron's meeting at the White House and an earlier video call with leaders from the Group of Seven (G7) advanced economies.
Macron mentioned that he also discussed 'fair competition in trade' with Trump, aiming to dissuade the U.S. president from imposing new tariffs on EU countries.
'We genuinely want to commit to fair competition, to have free trade and more investments,' Macron stated.
He explained that the main idea is for both the U.S. and Europe to prosper, adding that further discussions would be held between the two nations' teams to finalize ideas.
Trump is already planning to revoke tariff exemptions on steel and aluminum introduced in 2018, although his administration is also assessing 'reciprocal tariffs on imports' that could be introduced as early as April.
During a joint press conference after their discussions, Macron warned that peace could not equate to 'the capitulation of Ukraine.' He emphasized, 'We want peace.
That peace cannot mean the capitulation of Ukraine.
No one wants to live in a world where the law of the stronger prevails.' Macron expressed admiration for the courage of the Ukrainian people in their ongoing conflict with Russia.
He noted that a ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv would not hold without security guarantees.
In his opening remarks, Macron stated that European countries must contribute more to defense and security on the continent, thereby alleviating the financial burden currently disproportionately shouldered by the U.S.
'As Europeans, we are committed to participating in these security guarantees.
We are very aware that Europeans need to do more for security in Europe, for defense in Europe, and that we should share the security burden that your country has borne for so many years,' Macron told Trump.
The French president remarked that an end to hostilities in Ukraine, marking its third anniversary, cannot result in 'a ceasefire without guarantees.' He asserted that Ukrainian sovereignty is an 'existential issue for stability in Europe.'
'Ukraine has been able to hold the front line of our collective security.
It has fought for its independence and sovereignty over the past few years, but also for collective security,' he added.
Trump claimed that the war would not have occurred had he been president, stating that he had made more progress toward peace in Ukraine than had occurred in the last three years.
'Our focus is on achieving a ceasefire as soon as possible, and ultimately on achieving lasting peace.
My meeting with President Macron was a very important step forward,' Trump said.
He expressed satisfaction with Macron's agreement that the costs and responsibilities for ensuring peace should be borne by European nations, rather than solely by the U.S. 'I believe the American taxpayers deserve to get back the huge amounts of money we have sent,' Trump remarked.
The U.S. president committed to a complete break from the Ukraine policy of Democratic President Joe Biden, stating that discussions between Russia and his administration were progressing toward peace 'fairly quickly.'
The press conference followed Trump and Macron's meeting at the White House and an earlier video call with leaders from the Group of Seven (G7) advanced economies.
Macron mentioned that he also discussed 'fair competition in trade' with Trump, aiming to dissuade the U.S. president from imposing new tariffs on EU countries.
'We genuinely want to commit to fair competition, to have free trade and more investments,' Macron stated.
He explained that the main idea is for both the U.S. and Europe to prosper, adding that further discussions would be held between the two nations' teams to finalize ideas.
Trump is already planning to revoke tariff exemptions on steel and aluminum introduced in 2018, although his administration is also assessing 'reciprocal tariffs on imports' that could be introduced as early as April.
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