French President Emmanuel Macron meets with Donald Trump in Washington to discuss lasting peace in Ukraine

Three years to the day after Russia invaded Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Washington for a high-stakes meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The two leaders aim to explore pathways toward a stable and enduring peace, as tensions persist on the European continent. “My objective is to build a solid, lasting peace,” Macron declared from the Oval Office, while Trump added, “We are doing our best to end the war.” He also suggested that a mining agreement with Ukraine was “very close,” a deal that has been a point of contention between Kyiv and Washington.

A shifting geopolitical landscape

Trump’s announcement in mid-February that he intended to negotiate peace with Vladimir Putin without European involvement sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles. Macron, determined not to let Europe be sidelined, is advocating for security guarantees for Ukraine as part of any peace agreement. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signaled openness to drastic measures: “If you really need me to step down, I am ready,” he said, even suggesting he would trade his presidency for Ukraine’s NATO membership.

International support and divisions

The United Nations General Assembly reaffirmed its support for Ukraine on Monday, adopting a resolution backing the country’s territorial integrity. While 93 countries voted in favor, 18 — including the United States — opposed the measure, and 65 abstained. Simultaneously, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a new €3.5 billion aid package for Ukraine, emphasizing that Russia’s objective remains Ukraine’s capitulation.

On the ground, Ukraine continues to mourn the lives lost in the ongoing conflict. Zelensky commemorated the nation’s resilience, honoring three years of resistance and heroism while calling for a prisoner exchange with Russia as a trust-building step.

Complex negotiations and military realities

Trump’s stance on Ukraine’s sovereignty remains ambiguous. “Territorial integrity is part of the negotiations,” he said, leaving the question of Ukraine reclaiming lost territories unresolved. However, he indicated no opposition to European peacekeeping forces being deployed after a ceasefire, stating, “Peacekeeping missions would be a good thing rather than all these deaths.”

Despite these complexities, Macron remains optimistic. “I am here as a friend,” he reassured, emphasizing the need for guarantees that peace will hold. The two presidents are expected to give a joint press conference, offering the world a glimpse of whether their dialogue can translate into real progress for Ukraine and its people.