Media: Macron's diplomatic intervention saves Zelenskyy's Washington visit

US President Donald Trump initially hesitated to receive Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington, but changed his stance following direct requests from French President Emmanuel Macron.

The meeting, which had been planned for Zelenskyy to discuss an agreement on Ukrainian minerals and other strategic matters, was nearly canceled after an official from the Trump administration told Zelenskyy that his visit would not proceed, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

The official reportedly informed Zelenskyy that all meetings had been canceled, and President Trump would not receive him, sparking panic in Kyiv.

Following this development, Zelenskyy urgently reached out to French President Macron, seeking his assistance in convincing Trump to reconsider. According to sources, Zelenskyy emphasized that the visit would not only advance key agreements but also carry significant symbolic weight.

French diplomatic sources revealed that President Macron then personally intervened, calling Trump to vouch for Zelenskyy and persuading him to accept the Ukrainian leader's visit. Following Macron's intervention, the US president agreed to receive Zelenskyy in Washington, ensuring the continuation of crucial diplomatic discussions.

The intervention by Macron highlights the importance of international diplomacy and the strategic ties between France and Ukraine, as well as the complex dynamics at play in international relations between Ukraine, the United States, and European powers.

On February 26, President Donald Trump confirmed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would visit Washington, during which a deal concerning Ukraine's minerals would be signed. Prior to this, Trump had mentioned the possibility of the meeting to take place on February 28. However, an unnamed White House official said that Washington saw no value in Zelenskyy's visit unless the mineral deal was signed.

Zelenskyy had previously declined to sign the agreement, despite having expressed willingness earlier. He stated that the terms presented to Kyiv lacked the necessary security guarantees. On February 23, Zelenskyy explained that he was unwilling to sign the deal, fearing that it would place an undue burden on future generations of Ukrainians, noting that "10 generations of Ukrainians would pay for it."

By Vafa Guliyeva