Macron Strikes Balance with Trump While Advocating for Europe's Stance on Ukraine

With relations between Europe and the US undeniably strained, French President Emmanuel Macron's ability to maintain some semblance of harmony during his visit to the White House on Monday is an accomplishment in itself.

He achieved this by complimenting, flattering, and subtly persuading the US president during their Oval Office Q&A and joint press conference. This approach has become one that many global leaders find more effective than direct confrontation or criticism of Trump.

Macron successfully steered through what could have been a delicate day in Washington without giving ground or disclosing too much.

He stressed the mutual will to work towards peace between the two countries, and while gently correcting Trump on his interpretation of Europe's support for Ukraine, he concurred that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security.

However, he made one significant concession that he considered rebuilding a relationship with Putin for some purpose to be something Trump had in mind.

This stands in stark contrast to the position maintained up to now by London, Paris and Berlin, all of whom wish to further isolate Putin and impose sanctions on the Russian economy and the Russian individuals.

"There is good reason for President Trump to re-engage with President Putin," Macron said, adding that the new administration represented "a big change".

Macron suggested that European countries like France and the UK could take a leading role in ensuring the security of a post-truce Ukraine, potentially through air support and troops stationed away from the frontlines.

At the same time, he emphasized the need for an American safety net.

However, Macron did not secure a commitment for US support during his Oval Office meeting. Nor did he receive any form of criticism of Russia's president from Trump.

What he did gain, at least in part, was a reaffirmed place for Europe's voice at the table a development that will likely provide some reassurance to him and other European leaders.

It is evident, however, that the goal of restoring the close relationship between Europe and the US that existed since the end of World War II is not on anyone's agenda.

This is why Macron has been exploring the concept of a more strategically independent Europe for some time, considering ideas like a unified European defense force.

His view that Europe must adapt to the significant change in the US stance is also shared by Friedrich Merz, Germany's incoming chancellor.

Merz has already stated that he believes the US under Donald Trump is unconcerned with Europe's future, and that the continent needs to achieve security independence from the US.

"My absolute priority will be to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that, step by step, we can really achieve independence from the USA," Merz said.

However, France, the UK, and Germany must also recognize that not all European nations share such strong opposition to the US stance on Ukraine.

The rise of far-right nationalist parties across Europe, particularly in Germany where the AfD secured second place in Sunday’s elections, indicates that some European citizens are increasingly doubtful about continued support for Kyiv.

Later this week, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who has been closely coordinating with Macron, will visit Washington to further make their case on Ukraine.

Like Macron, he believes the UK’s special relationship with the US allows it to open doors and secure a fair hearing.

The challenge, however, is that Washington, under Donald Trump, is currently in "transmit mode" pushing an agenda that leaves little space for differing viewpoints.

While America has always had the power to assert its will, Europe has rarely been on the receiving end of that force. The fact that this has now changed signals just how serious the rift in traditional alliances has become.