French President Emmanuel Macron corrected his US counterpart Donald Trump on Monday regarding Europe’s financial support for Ukraine. Their discussion took place at the White House on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
Macron Counters Trump’s Claim on Ukraine Aid
During a joint press conference, Macron interrupted Trump when he claimed that Europe was merely loaning Ukraine money and would get it back.
“No, in fact. To be frank, we paid. We paid 60 per cent of the total effort,” Macron said as he touched Trump’s arm to stop him mid-sentence.
“It was — like the US — loans, guarantees, grants and we provided real money, to be clear,” he added.
After Macron finished his sentence, Trump smirked and said, “If you believe that, it’s okay with me.”
President Macron humiliated Donald Trump on live television. He shut him up and fact checked him mid sentence.
Trump sat there and smiled. #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/jRf1uifE9M
— Anonymous (@YourAnonCentral) February 24, 2025
Path Forward on Ukraine Conflict
Macron, the first European leader to visit Trump since his return to power last month, stressed that peace should not mean Ukraine’s surrender. He acknowledged concerns over a transatlantic rift but expressed optimism about finding a resolution. “After speaking with President Trump, I fully believe there is a path forward,” Macron said.
Trump’s Approach to Russia and Ukraine
Trump, while refraining from labeling Russian President Vladimir Putin a dictator, asserted that he could swiftly end the Russia-Ukraine war. “I think we could end it within weeks — if we’re smart. If we’re not smart, it will keep going,” he said earlier in the Oval Office.
Additionally, he revealed plans to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House within the next two weeks.
US and Russia at the UN
The meeting between Macron and Trump took place just days after Trump expressed his willingness to resume diplomacy with Russia and explore negotiations to end the Ukraine war without Kyiv’s direct involvement. Meanwhile, the US aligned with Russia in two United Nations votes on Monday.
