French President Emmanuel Macron has backed former US President Donald Trump’s diplomatic push with Russia but insists that any European troop deployment in Ukraine must have American support.
Speaking at a White House press conference on Monday, Macron emphasized the need for a solid and enforceable peace deal, saying, “We want a quick deal but not a fragile one.”
Macron, who previously engaged Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2022 to prevent the Ukraine invasion, acknowledged the shift in US leadership. He believes renewed dialogue with Putin is necessary, stating, “There is good reason for President Trump to re-engage with President Putin.”
Hinting at a potential French troop deployment, Macron stressed that Europe cannot act alone. “A lot of my European colleagues are ready to be engaged, but we do need this American backup because this is part of the credibility of the security guarantees,” he said.
Trump and President Joe Biden have ruled out sending US troops to Ukraine, with Trump suggesting Kyiv should sign a deal granting the US access to Ukraine’s mineral wealth.
Macron, however, warned against ruling out military intervention too soon: “I think we should never say I will never send boots on the ground because you give a blank check to violate any type of commitment.”
