Trump, Macron Show Ukraine Divide Despite Friendly Veneer

The two leaders did agree, however, on the deployment of European peacekeeping forces once a peace deal is eventually reached

- Reuters

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron displayed stark differences on Monday in their approach to Ukraine, exposing a divide between the United States and Europe over Trump's bid for a quick ceasefire deal with Russia.

During a day of talks between the two leaders, Trump and Macron showed a friendly rapport based on years of good ties. But Macron made clear he disagreed with Trump on some key issues as they marked three years since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Trump refused to refer to Russian President Vladimir Putin as a dictator, after calling Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky a dictator last week. Macron said it was clear that Russia "is the aggressor" in the conflict, a topic Trump wavered on last week.

"President Putin violated the peace," Macron said at a joint press conference with Trump.