French President Emmanuel Macron has firmly rejected President Donald Trump's assertions regarding aid to Ukraine, sounding a cautionary note on peace negotiations that exclude the invaded nation. During their meeting in the Oval Office on February 24th, the two leaders delved into the three-year-long conflict between Russia and Ukraine, particularly focusing on who should bear the financial burden of assisting Ukraine. President Trump, aged 78, insisted that the European nations should shoulder this responsibility, to which Macron retorted by highlighting that Europe was already contributing more than half of all relief endeavors.
"I wholeheartedly support the notion that Ukraine should be compensated first, as they have suffered immense losses and are being decimated by these attacks," Macron declared.
"Just to clarify, Europe is lending money to Ukraine, and they will eventually recoup their funds," Trump stated during the meeting. Macron then reached out, placing his left hand on Trump's arm.
"Actually, to be frank, we have contributed 60% of the total relief efforts. And this aid has come in various forms—loans, guaranteed grants, and real money, to be precise," Macron interjected, cutting Trump off.
"We currently have $230 billion worth of frozen Russian assets in Europe," Macron continued. "...If, during our negotiations with Russia, they agree to release these assets to us, then it will essentially become a loan, and Russia will have footed the bill for their aggression."
"If you believe that, I have no objections," Trump replied.
On the same day, at the United Nations General Assembly, the United States, along with North Korea, Russia, and 15 other countries, voted against a resolution condemning Russia's aggression and demanding the withdrawal of their troops from Ukraine. Meanwhile, 93 countries supported the resolution drafted by Europe.
Later that Monday, in an interview with Fox News's "Special Report," Macron issued a word of caution to Trump, as the American president pursued peace negotiations without Ukraine's involvement and proposed that the United States provide aid in exchange for Ukrainian resources.
"I believe President Trump's involvement could be a game-changer. I think he has the deterrence capacity of the United States to reengage with Russia," Macron said. "We all yearn for peace. And I consider President Trump's initiative to be a very positive one."
"However, my message was to caution, 'Be careful,' because Ukraine deserves something substantial in return for their sacrifice," he added.
