Thu Feb 20 07:10:18 UTC 2025: ## Macron Rallies Europe Amidst Trump’s Overtures to Putin

**Paris, France –** French President Emmanuel Macron convened a meeting of 19 European leaders Wednesday to coordinate a response to US President Donald Trump’s surprise announcement that he is ready to resume diplomacy with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting, which included several leaders via video conference, aimed to solidify a united European front in the face of what Macron termed an “existential threat” from Russia.

Macron stressed that any peace deal must consider Ukraine’s rights and European security concerns. He reiterated France’s unwavering support for Ukraine and commitment to ensuring European peace and security, emphasizing the need for robust guarantees and increased defense spending. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to supporting Ukraine and a pledge to continue applying pressure on Russia through sanctions, with new measures agreed upon by EU countries.

Trump’s announcement has sent shockwaves through the European Union, particularly after his recent attacks on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom he called a “dictator.” Zelenskyy, however, expressed hope for constructive work with the US despite Trump’s comments. Macron is scheduled to meet with Trump in Washington early next week to discuss the matter further.

The French President’s meeting notably excluded Hungary and Slovakia, whose leaders are considered close to Putin, and Turkey, which is attempting to mediate. While France and Britain are reportedly considering sending limited numbers of experts or troops to Ukraine outside of active conflict zones, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot warned that inaction would only bring the conflict closer to European borders. The meeting served to highlight the divisions and anxieties within the European Union regarding Trump’s policy shift and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

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