Cliff Notes
- Emmanuel Macron is set to engage in discussions with American officials regarding Ukraine, amidst concerns over perceived leniency toward Russia during previous administrations.
- The French president, along with Sir Keir Starmer, has initiated a “coalition of the willing” aimed at regaining traction in the ongoing conflict.
- Macron seeks clarification on the U.S. position regarding Russia, questioning whether America still views it as the central problem in the Ukraine crisis.
Ukraine war latest: Ukraine talks begin in Paris after top Trump officials fly in – in hint of ceasefire hope
By Adams Parsons, Europe correspondent
Emmanuel Macron will welcome his American guests to Paris but, behind the scenes, the talks about Ukraine could be tetchy.
The French president, like many across Europe, believes Team Trump went far too far in opening talks with Russia and has achieved little in return.
In fact, there is a feeling that Vladimir Putin may now feel emboldened by the idea that Ukraine has agreed to a ceasefire while he is continuing attacks without any apparent reprisals.
That’s why Macron, along with Sir Keir Starmer, kicked off the so-called “coalition of the willing” as an attempt to wrestle back some of the initiative.
Macron will want to see signs of progress and also an assurance that, despite Steve Witkoff’s remarkably fond words about Vladimir Putin, the Americans still see Russia as the problem – not Ukraine.
Remarkably, we are at a point where the French president’s main question might well be – whose side is America actually on?