WASHINGTON: French President Emmanuel Macron will meet along with his US counterpart Donald Trump in Washington on Monday, saying he’ll current “proposals for motion” to counter the “Russian menace” in Europe and guarantee peace in Ukraine.
Macron is hoping to steer Trump when the 2 leaders meet on the third anniversary of the battle in Ukraine to incorporate European leaders in talks between Russia and the USA.
Trump despatched shock waves round Europe when he declared his readiness to renew diplomacy with Russian President Vladimir Putin and to carry talks with out the involvement of European nations or Kyiv.
He has repeated Russian speaking factors about Ukraine’s duty in beginning the battle, elevating concern in Europe that he would comply with Moscow’s phrases.
Macron has tried to coordinate a European response to Washington’s sudden coverage shift, internet hosting two conferences with key leaders final week. Russia is “an existential menace to Europeans,” he mentioned on the time.
“You might have an influence that has overly armed itself… and continues to arm itself,” Macron mentioned, earlier than departing for Washington.
“We don’t know the place it is going to cease at the moment. So, we should all act to include it.”
Macron might be representing Europe as a complete throughout his go to, following his conferences with leaders throughout the continent, together with Moscow-friendly Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, an advisor to the president mentioned.
“He’s going to Washington with proposals for motion that replicate the convergences that emerged” from the talks, the advisor mentioned.
Macron goals to steer Trump to proceed US help for Ukraine, respecting its sovereignty and making certain that European pursuits are totally thought-about, the advisor famous.
He additionally seeks to persuade Trump that Russia represents an “existential menace” to Europe, and that Putin “won’t respect” a ceasefire, he added.
Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is because of go to the White Home on Thursday, coordinated on messaging earlier than to the French president’s departure for the USA this weekend.
Deployment of forces
Britain and France are additionally discussing the deployment of European forces in Ukraine after a peace settlement is reached, to discourage Russia from future assaults.
“The concept is to deploy troopers to a second line, not on the entrance line. This could possibly be mixed with a multinational operation, with non-European contingents,” mentioned a French supply near the discussions.
Macron and Starmer are anticipated to ask Trump to supply “stable safety ensures” for the deployed forces.
Though the Trump administration has dominated out committing US troopers to the battle effort, Europe hopes it may present different help, akin to logistics or intelligence.
European leaders would additionally decide to rising their protection spending as Trump seeks to cut back US dedication, not eager to bear the burden of the area’s safety.
“It’s in his curiosity to work with the Europeans as a result of Europe has a capability for development — an financial potential — to cooperate with Individuals,” Macron mentioned.