French President Emmanuel Macron met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on February 24, 2025, to discuss diplomatic solutions for the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. This marked Macron's first visit to Washington since Trump's re-election, positioning him as a key European figure in negotiations concerning the war.
During their talks, Trump expressed optimism that a resolution to the conflict could be within reach. He suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin may be open to deploying European peacekeepers in Ukraine as part of a broader agreement.
Additionally, Trump revealed plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss a new economic agreement. According to Trump, the U.S. seeks access to Ukraine’s critical mineral resources as a form of repayment for the billions of dollars in aid provided by Washington throughout the war.
Macron Calls for Strong European Involvement
During the meeting, Macron emphasized Europe's role in securing peace and maintaining stability in Ukraine. He reiterated that any future agreement must include strong security guarantees for Ukraine to prevent further aggression.
"We must ensure that Ukraine is not left vulnerable to future attacks," Macron stated. "Europe is committed to playing an active role in securing a lasting peace."
U.S. Votes Against UN Resolution on Ukraine
Amid diplomatic discussions, the United Nations General Assembly voted on a resolution condemning Russian aggression in Ukraine. The resolution received 93 votes in favor, 18 against, and 65 abstentions. Notably, the United States voted against the measure, aligning itself with Russia, North Korea, and a handful of other nations.
This decision has drawn criticism from within the U.S., particularly from members of the Democratic Party, who argue that Washington should maintain its firm support for Ukraine.
Future Diplomatic Steps and Potential Putin Visit
President Trump also hinted at the possibility of hosting President Putin at the White House after a formal resolution is reached in Ukraine. While no date has been set, the prospect of a U.S.-Russia summit raises questions about the future direction of U.S. foreign policy under Trump's leadership.
Meanwhile, European leaders continue to push for a unified strategy to counter Russian aggression while ensuring Ukraine's sovereignty and security. Macron's visit signals France’s ongoing commitment to transatlantic diplomacy, even as policy differences between Washington and Europe become increasingly apparent.