French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Washington on Monday underscored the fragile state of transatlantic relations as he sought to maintain diplomatic cohesion while addressing deepening divisions over Ukraine. With Europe and the United States at odds, Macron carefully balanced flattery and strategic persuasion in his engagement with President Donald Trump, hoping to keep European concerns on the table without provoking an outright rift.
Macron’s approach was measured, opting for diplomatic tact rather than direct confrontation. He acknowledged Trump’s stance on European security, agreeing that the continent must assume greater responsibility for its own defense. At the same time, he gently corrected Trump’s assertion about Europe’s support for Ukraine, emphasizing the continent’s ongoing commitment. However, the French president made a notable concession supporting Trump’s push to re-engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking a shift from Europe’s previous stance of isolating Moscow through sanctions.
This pivot raises concerns in London, Paris, and Berlin, which have maintained a hardline approach toward Russia. By suggesting that Trump’s outreach to Putin was warranted, Macron signaled a potential recalibration of European strategy amid shifting U.S. priorities.
While Macron hinted at France and the UK playing a leading role in securing a post-war Ukraine possibly with air power and troops stationed away from the frontline he underscored the necessity of American support. Yet, his visit yielded no concrete commitment from Trump. The U.S. president refrained from offering any security assurances and avoided any criticism of Putin, highlighting the challenges Europe faces in securing Washington’s backing.
The meeting reinforced the notion that the historical close ties between Europe and the U.S. are no longer guaranteed. Macron’s long-held vision of a more strategically autonomous Europe appears increasingly relevant, as echoed by Germany’s incoming chancellor, Friedrich Merz. Merz has openly stated that Europe must prepare for a future independent of U.S. security guarantees, given Trump’s apparent indifference to the continent’s strategic concerns.
Complicating matters, the rise of far-right nationalist parties across Europe, such as Germany’s AfD, signals internal skepticism about unwavering support for Kyiv. This ideological shift could further fragment European consensus on Ukraine policy.
Later this week, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will visit Washington to reinforce the European case for continued U.S. engagement in Ukraine. However, with Trump focused on advancing his own agenda, Europe may find itself increasingly sidelined, navigating an uncertain geopolitical landscape without the assurances it once took for granted.
