French President Emmanuel Macron will meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday, aiming to push for a united Western front against Russia and secure continued support for Ukraine.
Marking the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine, Macron seeks to persuade Trump to include European leaders in any future U.S.-Russia negotiations. His visit follows Trump’s controversial remarks suggesting he would engage in direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, excluding European nations and Kyiv.
Macron has rallied European leaders in response to Washington’s shifting stance, warning that Russia remains an “existential threat” to Europe. Before departing for the U.S., he emphasized the urgency of containment, citing Moscow’s continued military buildup.
During his discussions, Macron is expected to advocate for ongoing U.S. backing of Ukraine and highlight the strategic importance of European cooperation. He and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is also set to meet with Trump later this week, have coordinated their positions in advance.
France and the UK are exploring the potential deployment of European forces in Ukraine post-conflict, aiming to deter future Russian aggression. While the Trump administration has ruled out sending U.S. troops, European leaders are hoping for logistical and intelligence support from Washington.
Macron is also expected to stress the economic and security benefits of U.S.-European collaboration, as Trump seeks to shift the financial burden of regional security onto Europe.
