Macron urges Trump and Zelensky to ‘de-escalate’
The French president has stated that the relationship between the US and Ukrainian leaders can be repaired following a problematic meeting. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed confidence that the strained relationship between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky can be repaired following a tumultuous meeting.
Zelensky's visit to the White House last Friday ended abruptly after a heated exchange with Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, which escalated into a shouting match in front of the media. During the confrontation, Trump accused the Ukrainian leader of “gambling with World War III” due to his unwillingness to engage in peace talks with Russia, and criticized him for being disrespectful and ungrateful regarding the significant military aid supplied to Ukraine by the United States.
In the course of the argument, Zelensky reiterated his stance against negotiating with Moscow, called for security guarantees from the US, and did not concede that Ukraine's military was facing personnel shortages.
In an interview with Le Figaro on Sunday, Macron expressed optimism that the US and Ukrainian leaders would soon find a way to "de-escalate" the situation despite the recent altercation. "In the coming days, we should be able to get things back on track,” he remarked.
The French president has reportedly communicated with Trump three times in just three days in an effort to ease tensions between Washington and Kiev.
According to broadcaster BFMTV, a French diplomatic source indicated that Trump had initially hesitated to host Zelensky, but it was Macron who persuaded him to proceed with the meeting.
Zelensky, speaking to journalists on Sunday, shared that he believes his relationship with Trump can be salvaged, but he prefers that future discussions take place privately. “I do not think it is right when such discussions are totally open... The format of what happened, I do not think it brought something positive to us as partners,” he stated.
Additionally, Zelensky indicated his willingness to finalize an agreement that would allow the US access to Ukraine’s natural resources as compensation for military aid. His Washington trip was intended to conclude this arrangement before the meeting took an unfavorable turn.
Trump remarked on Friday that Zelensky appears uninterested in halting the conflict and indicated that he would only welcome him back to the White House “when he is ready for peace.”
US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz also addressed the situation on CNN Sunday, expressing uncertainty about whether Zelensky is fit to lead Ukraine. “We need a leader that can deal with us, eventually deal with the Russians, and end this war,” he emphasized.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
Zelensky's visit to the White House last Friday ended abruptly after a heated exchange with Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, which escalated into a shouting match in front of the media. During the confrontation, Trump accused the Ukrainian leader of “gambling with World War III” due to his unwillingness to engage in peace talks with Russia, and criticized him for being disrespectful and ungrateful regarding the significant military aid supplied to Ukraine by the United States.
In the course of the argument, Zelensky reiterated his stance against negotiating with Moscow, called for security guarantees from the US, and did not concede that Ukraine's military was facing personnel shortages.
In an interview with Le Figaro on Sunday, Macron expressed optimism that the US and Ukrainian leaders would soon find a way to "de-escalate" the situation despite the recent altercation. "In the coming days, we should be able to get things back on track,” he remarked.
The French president has reportedly communicated with Trump three times in just three days in an effort to ease tensions between Washington and Kiev.
According to broadcaster BFMTV, a French diplomatic source indicated that Trump had initially hesitated to host Zelensky, but it was Macron who persuaded him to proceed with the meeting.
Zelensky, speaking to journalists on Sunday, shared that he believes his relationship with Trump can be salvaged, but he prefers that future discussions take place privately. “I do not think it is right when such discussions are totally open... The format of what happened, I do not think it brought something positive to us as partners,” he stated.
Additionally, Zelensky indicated his willingness to finalize an agreement that would allow the US access to Ukraine’s natural resources as compensation for military aid. His Washington trip was intended to conclude this arrangement before the meeting took an unfavorable turn.
Trump remarked on Friday that Zelensky appears uninterested in halting the conflict and indicated that he would only welcome him back to the White House “when he is ready for peace.”
US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz also addressed the situation on CNN Sunday, expressing uncertainty about whether Zelensky is fit to lead Ukraine. “We need a leader that can deal with us, eventually deal with the Russians, and end this war,” he emphasized.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
