Washington: French President Emmanuel Macron fact-checked his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, on Monday regarding European aid to Ukraine during their meeting at the White House, marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
During a joint press conference, Macron interrupted Trump when he claimed that Europe was only loaning money to Ukraine and would eventually be reimbursed.
“No, in fact. To be frank, we paid. We paid 60 per cent of the total effort,” Macron said, briefly touching Trump’s arm to stop him mid-sentence.
“It was—like the U.S.—loans, guarantees, grants, and we provided real money, to be clear,” he added.
In response, Trump smirked and said, “If you believe that, it’s okay with me.”
Watch: Macron interrupts Trump
Trump says “Europe is loaning the money to Ukraine” and “they’re getting their money back” when Macron interrupts to say “No, in fact, to be frank, we paid. We paid 60% of the total effort”
pic.twitter.com/UP6bJEist1
— Peter Stefanovic (@PeterStefanovi2) February 24, 2025
Macron, the first European leader to visit Trump since his return to office last month, stressed that peace must not come at the cost of Ukraine’s surrender. However, he noted that their discussions had revealed a path forward, despite concerns over a transatlantic divide.
He acknowledged that Trump had “good reason” to re-engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin but emphasised the need for Washington to provide “backup” for any European peacekeeping efforts.
“After speaking with President Trump, I fully believe there is a path forward,” Macron said.
Trump, who declined to label Putin a dictator, expressed confidence in his ability to end the Russia-Ukraine war, revealing that he expected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to visit the White House within the next two weeks.
“I think we could end it within weeks—if we’re smart. If we’re not smart, it will keep going,” he said earlier in the Oval Office.
The meeting between the two leaders came just days after Trump announced his willingness to restart diplomacy with Russia and pursue negotiations to end the war without Kyiv’s direct involvement.
Meanwhile, the U.S. twice sided with Russia at the United Nations on Monday.
