Macron Holds Emergency Meeting to Seek EU Unity in Response to U.S. Shift on Russia-Ukraine Conflict | WPN World People News

In response to Donald Trump's shift in stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has fostered a thaw in U.S.-Russia relations and driven bilateral normalization, EU nations have become alert to their passive position. On the 19th, French President Emmanuel Macron convened a meeting with about 15 national leaders, aiming to coordinate Europe's response to the threat from Russia.

The discussions between the U.S. and Russia regarding a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war and future geopolitical and economic issues—without involving European allies or Ukraine—has raised alarms among leaders in the EU and NATO. On the 17th, Macron held an emergency meeting to discuss a strategy, but similar issues arose as countries like Romania and the Czech Republic, which strongly support Ukraine, were excluded, causing dissatisfaction. On the 19th, Macron convened another online meeting, followed by an in-person discussion with Romania's interim president Ilie Bolojan in the afternoon.

Macron has been striving to unite Europe, engaging in discussions with all 27 EU member states. After an urgent summit, Macron stated on social media on the 19th: “We hope for a lasting and stable peace for Ukraine,” emphasizing France’s and its allies’ unified stance on Russia, Ukraine, and European security. He also stated that Europe shares the same goal as Trump, which is to end the nearly three-year-long Russia-Ukraine war, reaffirming that Ukraine must be involved in peace negotiations.

Trump, in an interview with reporters, mentioned that he expects Macron to visit Washington on Monday to discuss the perspectives of both sides on the Russia-Ukraine issue. However, the French presidency has yet to confirm this information.

Furthermore, Trump has recently made increasingly harsh criticisms of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing him of allowing the war to happen, refusing to hold elections when his term ended, and acting as a "dictator" seeking to profit from U.S. aid. He also criticized Zelenskyy for sleeping in while refusing to meet Scott Bessent, a financial envoy sent by Trump. However, the fact is that Bessent met with Zelenskyy while lounging. These accusations reflect a shift in the U.S. stance, with Russia transitioning from a global adversary to a valuable partner for the U.S., while European countries are striving to find a new role for themselves, establishing a force independent of U.S. influence.