French President Emmanuel Macron is set to deliver a strong message to his American counterpart, Donald Trump: standing firm against Russian President Vladimir Putin is not just a European priority but a shared strategic interest.
Macron’s Warning to Trump
During a live discussion on X, Macron emphasized the importance of taking a tough stance on Putin.
“I will tell him: You cannot be weak in front of President Putin. That is not who you are, it’s not your trademark, and it’s definitely not in your best interest. If you show weakness with Putin, how can you maintain credibility in front of China?” Macron stated.
With a planned visit to Washington next week, Macron aims to align perspectives on global security, particularly in light of Trump’s previous remarks about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump had controversially labeled Zelensky a “dictator” and questioned his legitimacy.
Macron Defends Zelensky’s Legitimacy
The French leader countered Trump’s claims, asserting that Zelensky was “elected through a free system”—something he says cannot be said about Putin.
“Zelensky is a democratically elected leader. The same cannot be said about Vladimir Putin, who eliminates his opponents and manipulates elections to stay in power,” Macron remarked. He also pointed out that Ukraine’s presidential elections had been postponed solely due to the ongoing war.
No Immediate Troop Deployment to Ukraine
Addressing speculation about military intervention, Macron clarified that France is not planning to send troops to Ukraine at this moment. However, he hinted at a potential deployment to ensure lasting peace when the time comes.
“I have not decided to send troops to Ukraine tomorrow. What we are discussing is deploying forces to guarantee peace once a negotiated agreement is in place,” Macron explained.
His statements reflect a broader European stance on security, emphasizing unity in facing global challenges. As geopolitical tensions rise, Macron’s upcoming visit to Washington will likely play a crucial role in shaping Western strategies toward Russia and China.
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