"Peace cannot mean Ukraine’s surrender," Macron tells Trump on Washington visit

French President Emmanuel Macron told U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday that Europe is ready to increase defence spending but stressed the need for strong U.S. involvement in securing a Ukraine peace deal.

French President Emmanuel Macron met U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, marking the first visit by a European leader since Trump returned to office. Their discussions focused on Europe’s role in defence and the future of Ukraine amid fears that Trump’s foreign policy shifts are sidelining European leadership.

“As Europeans, we have committed to being stakeholders in these security guarantees,” Macron said at a joint press conference. “We are well aware that Europeans need to do more for security in Europe and to more fairly share the security burden that your country has been carrying for so many years.”

Macron’s visit coincided with the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine, as Trump pushes for a swift resolution. Trump said he was optimistic that the conflict was nearing an end but insisted that “the cost and burden of securing the peace must be borne by the nations of Europe and not, alone, by the United States.”

Macron welcomed peace efforts but warned that any settlement “cannot mean the surrender of Ukraine.” He emphasised that Ukraine had fought not only for its sovereignty but also for Europe’s collective security.

“No one in this room wants to live in a world where it’s the law of the strongest and international borders can be violated from one day to the next,” Macron said.

The French president also underscored the necessity of Ukraine’s participation in negotiations, stating that “Kyiv must be involved” in any discussions to end the war.

The meeting highlighted ongoing transatlantic tensions over defence commitments and the future of U.S. engagement in European security.

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