Macron warns peace in Ukraine can't mean 'surrender', after talks with Trump

French President Emmanuel Macron warned on Feb 24 that peace cannot mean the "surrender" of Ukraine, but said talks with US President Donald Trump had shown a path forward despite fears of a transatlantic rift.

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WASHINGTON - French President Emmanuel Macron warned on Feb 24 that peace cannot mean the "surrender" of Ukraine, but said talks with US President Donald Trump had shown a path forward despite fears of a transatlantic rift.

Meeting at the White House on the third anniversary of Russia's invasion, the two leaders said there was progress on the idea of sending peacekeepers to Ukraine, although Mr Macron insisted on US security guarantees for Kyiv.

Their talks came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for peace "this year" as he met European leaders in Kyiv amid mounting fears that Mr Trump is pivoting towards Russia's stance.

Early on Feb 25, air raid sirens sounded across Ukraine as the authorities warned of a wide missile attack. They later reported at least five people were wounded, and multiple buildings were damaged.

Mr Macron said Mr Trump had good reason to re-engage Russian President Vladimir Putin, but said it was critical for Washington to offer backup for any European peacekeeping force.