French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed support for Donald Trump’s renewed engagement with Russia over the ongoing war in Ukraine but insists that any European troop deployment must have the backing of the United States as part of a broader security guarantee.
Speaking at a joint press conference at the White House on Monday, Macron underscored the need for a swift yet durable resolution to the conflict, cautioning against fragile agreements that could be easily violated.
Macron, who traveled to Moscow just weeks before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago, had previously attempted to dissuade Russian President Vladimir Putin from taking military action.
However, like then-U.S. President Joe Biden, Macron soon severed communication with Putin after diplomatic efforts proved unsuccessful.
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Reflecting on past negotiations, Macron highlighted a critical lesson from Europe’s own history with Russia. “In 2014, our predecessors brokered peace with President Putin, but due to a lack of guarantees—especially security guarantees—Putin ultimately violated the agreement,” he noted. He emphasized that a strong deterrent was necessary to ensure any peace deal would be honored.
In recent weeks, Macron has floated the possibility of deploying French troops to Ukraine as part of a broader effort to maintain stability in the region.
However, he stressed the importance of American backing, arguing that Europe alone could not provide the level of security assurance needed to deter further Russian aggression.
“Many of my European colleagues are willing to get involved, but we require American support. That is what gives credibility to the security guarantees,” he explained.
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Both Trump and Biden have firmly ruled out sending U.S. troops to Ukraine, with Trump pushing for Kyiv to sign an agreement that would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral wealth in exchange for peace.
Despite this, Macron believes world leaders must keep all options on the table. “I think we should never say, ‘I will never send boots on the ground,’ because that effectively gives a blank check to violate any commitment,” he asserted.
Macron’s remarks reflect a delicate balancing act between diplomacy and deterrence. While he acknowledges Trump’s renewed dialogue with Putin as a potential avenue for peace, he remains cautious about the risks of negotiating without robust security assurances.
As Europe navigates an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, Macron’s call for U.S. involvement underscores the reality that transatlantic cooperation remains essential in shaping Ukraine’s future and ensuring long-term stability in the region.
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