Macron intercedes for Europe with Trump

WASHINGTON — Despite huge differences on substance, U.S. President Donald Trump and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron have pledged to work together to end the war in Ukraine.

The Europeans are “ready to send troops” to Ukraine to ensure that “peace is respected,” Macron told Trump during a meeting at the White House.

"After speaking with President Trump, I am convinced that there is a way forward," Macron said at a joint press conference.

The US president has assured that his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, with whom he started peace negotiations on Ukraine without directly involving Kiev or the Europeans, will accept the presence of peacekeeping troops in Ukraine.

Macron insisted on the need to offer “security guarantees” to prevent Putin from attacking again. “We want a quick agreement, but not a fragile agreement,” he said.

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However, Trump was evasive when asked whether Washington would offer such guarantees to soldiers in Ukraine.

Earlier, Trump boasted to reporters about his “special” relationship with Macron and said he could end the war in “a few weeks.”

The two leaders exchanged warm greetings, some jokes and pleasantries, in a rather relaxed tone. But behind this cordiality there are still major differences of opinion on Ukraine.

In Paris, the Eiffel Tower was lit up in the colours of the Ukrainian flag, marking the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of the country.

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