Media: French president’s diplomatic victory on Ukraine falls short of US commitment

French President Emmanuel Macron described his meeting with US President Donald Trump as a “turning point” in efforts to secure American support for European-led security measures in Ukraine. However, the talks fell short of securing a firm commitment from Trump on US backing for any deployment of European troops in a postwar settlement.

During his visit to the White House on February 24, Macron emphasized that European countries were ready to take on a significant role in providing security guarantees for Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

“There are Europeans that are ready to engage to provide for these security guarantees,” said Macron. “Now there’s a clear American message that the US as an ally is ready to provide that solidarity for that approach. That is a turning point in my view.”

While Macron praised the shift in US rhetoric, the lack of a concrete pledge from Trump left the outcome uncertain. The French president noted that Trump had agreed to a potential US role as a backstop in securing the peace, though specifics were not finalized. “We will have a backing of some kind. Obviously European countries are going to be involved,” Trump said, but quickly added that he trusted Russia to adhere to any agreement and did not believe European countries would require much backing.

On February 27, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will visit Washington for further discussions, continuing efforts to seek concrete commitments from the US regarding postwar security in Ukraine. Starmer, alongside Macron, has been working on a proposal involving the potential deployment of a “reassurance force,” primarily relying on air power and supported by US logistics and intelligence.

European leaders, including those in Paris and London, have made it clear they are willing to carry the bulk of the security responsibility in Ukraine but have stressed the need for US support. This includes logistical, intelligence, and ultimately military protection to ensure the success of any peacekeeping mission.

A French official confirmed that there was no “definitive agreement” yet on the nature of U.S. backup, but added that Trump did not object to providing security guarantees.

The European visits come amid growing concerns in Europe that Trump may rush into a ceasefire deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, potentially sidelining European interests. Despite this, Macron avoided direct criticism of Trump, maintaining a cordial and diplomatic approach throughout the visit.

While some European diplomats appreciated Macron’s tact, others expressed concern that he may have overestimated Trump’s willingness to support European-led initiatives in Ukraine. As Estonia’s President Alar Karis put it, “Some countries are ready, some countries are not,” underscoring the complex dynamics at play.

By Vafa Guliyeva