Macron Urges Calm After Trump’s Ukraine Clash, Pushes for EU Defense Plan

French President Emmanuel Macron called for calm after tensions flared between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Following Friday’s Oval Office meeting, where Trump threatened to cut support for Ukraine, Macron spoke with Zelenskiy, Trump, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European Council President Antonio Costa, and NATO chief Mark Rutte ahead of Sunday’s European leaders’ meeting on Ukraine in London.

Macron and Starmer led European efforts to dissuade Trump from a hasty ceasefire, advocating security guarantees for Ukraine and proposing a peacekeeping force. In an interview with La Tribune Dimanche, Macron stressed the need for respect and cooperation, warning that halting U.S. aid would not serve American interests.

Zelenskiy reportedly expressed willingness to engage in renewed dialogue with the U.S., including discussions on a deal granting American access to Ukraine’s natural resources. However, Macron did not disclose Trump’s response. He emphasized that America’s destiny is tied to Ukraine’s defense, urging continued support.

Looking ahead to the March 6 EU summit, Macron is pushing for unanimous backing of a joint debt initiative to fund European defense, aiming to raise several hundred billion euros. With Russia’s war in Ukraine entering its fourth year, European leaders are working to ensure stability and long-term security while addressing concerns over potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy.