Macron to Propose Action Plan on Ukraine Peace Talks to Trump

WASHINGTON, Feb 24, 2025 (BSS/AFP) – French President Emmanuel Macron is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday, where he will present a set of "proposals for action" aimed at countering the Russian threat in Europe and ensuring a path to peace in Ukraine.

Macron’s visit coincides with the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine, and he hopes to convince Trump to involve European leaders in any future diplomatic discussions between Russia and the United States.

European Concerns Over Trump's Russia Approach

Trump has unsettled European allies with his willingness to engage in direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, potentially excluding Kyiv and European nations from the talks. His comments, which echo Russian narratives about Ukraine’s role in the conflict, have heightened fears that he may agree to terms favorable to Moscow.

Macron, in response to these concerns, has been rallying European leaders in a coordinated effort to ensure that Europe’s security interests remain a priority in any negotiations. "Russia is an existential threat to Europeans," he stated last week, emphasizing the need for collective action.

"You have a power that has overly armed itself and continues to arm itself. We don’t know where it will stop today. So we must all act to contain it," Macron said before departing for Washington.

EU Sanctions and Russia’s Response

On Monday, the European Union imposed a fresh round of sanctions on Russia, targeting its war machinery and financial networks. The move prompted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov to accuse Europe of escalating the conflict, claiming that unlike the U.S., European nations were unwilling to seek a settlement.

"This conviction of the Europeans completely contrasts with the mindset of finding a settlement on Ukraine, which we are now doing with the Americans," Peskov told reporters.

Macron’s Diplomatic Strategy

Macron, representing a collective European stance, has already held discussions with various European leaders, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has been more aligned with Moscow. His proposals to Trump will reflect the "convergences" that emerged from those talks, according to an advisor.

His primary objectives are:

• Ensuring continued U.S. support for Ukraine, respecting its sovereignty.
• Convincing Trump that Russia remains an existential threat to Europe and cannot be trusted to honor a ceasefire.
• Securing European involvement in any peace negotiations.

Ahead of his visit, Macron also coordinated messaging with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is scheduled to meet Trump at the White House later this week.

European Troops in Ukraine?

Another key discussion point will be the potential deployment of European forces to Ukraine after a peace agreement is reached. This plan, discussed between Britain and France, aims to deter further Russian aggression by stationing European troops in non-combat roles along a second line, rather than on the front lines.

"The idea is to deploy soldiers in a strategic capacity, possibly as part of a multinational mission, which could include non-European contingents," a French source familiar with the discussions revealed.

Macron and Starmer are expected to request "solid security guarantees" from Trump for such deployments. While the Trump administration has ruled out sending U.S. soldiers to Ukraine, European leaders hope Washington will provide logistical, intelligence, and strategic support.

With Trump advocating for reduced U.S. involvement in European security, European nations are preparing to increase their own defense spending to take on a greater share of the responsibility. Macron emphasized that collaboration with Europe remains in the U.S.’s best interest, stating, "It is in his interest to work with Europe because Europe has the economic and strategic capacity to partner with America."

A Critical Moment for Western Unity

As Macron steps into these crucial discussions, the outcome of his meeting with Trump could shape the future of Western support for Ukraine and Europe’s long-term security. With Putin's ambitions far from subdued, Europe's ability to maintain a united front alongside the U.S. will be essential in defining the next chapter of the war and the path toward a potential peace settlement.