Macron Cuts Off Trump Following Statement on Ukraine Support
At a shared press conference, Emmanuel Macron intervened while Donald Trump was stating that Europe was only lending Ukraine funds and would subsequently reclaim them.
On Monday, the French President Emmanuel Macron corrected his American counterpart Donald Trump regarding assistance for Ukraine as they convened at the White House to mark three years since Russia initiated its invasion.
Macron interjected during a joint press briefing when Trump asserted that Europe was just providing loans to Ukraine and would be reimbursed.
"No, that's not accurate. Honestly, we have contributed. We covered 60 percent of the overall effort," Macron remarked while placing his hand on Trump's arm to halt him mid-statement.
"It was — similar to the US — a mix of loans, guarantees, grants, and we provided actual funds, to clarify," he continued.
Once Macron completed his point, Trump chuckled and responded, "If that’s what you think, that’s fine by me." Macron, who was the first European leader to engage with Trump since his return to power last month, cautioned that peace should not equate to Ukraine's "surrender," mentioning that conversations with the US President had paved a way forward despite concerns over a possible division across the Atlantic.
He added that Trump had "valid reasons" to reconnect with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but emphasized the importance of the US providing "support" for any European-led peacekeeping initiatives.
"After my discussions with President Trump, I am confident that a path forward exists," he stated.
Trump, who refrained from labeling Putin as a dictator, expressed optimism about resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict and anticipated a visit from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House in the upcoming fortnight.
"I believe we could resolve it in a matter of weeks — if we act wisely. If we fail to be wise, it will linger," he remarked earlier during their meeting in the Oval Office.
Their encounter occurred shortly after Trump announced his willingness to reopen diplomatic channels with Russia and negotiate an end to the Ukraine conflict without involving Kyiv.
Additionally, the US showed support for Russia on two occasions at the United Nations on the same day.
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