French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed openness to any diplomatic efforts by former US President Donald Trump to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Macron stated that if Trump could successfully convince Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war, France would support the process.

“If Donald Trump can convince Putin to stop the war, that’s great. We will play our role in the process,” Macron stated, reinforcing France’s commitment to peace in the region.

This statement comes amid growing concerns among European leaders regarding Trump’s stance on Ukraine and NATO following his recent phone call with Putin. Many in Europe fear that Trump’s approach may lead to compromises on Ukraine’s territorial integrity, shifting the balance of power in the conflict.

Zelenskyy Seeks Trump's Role in Negotiations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also acknowledged Trump’s potential role in mediating peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. Speaking ahead of the Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy revealed that Trump had provided him with his private phone number, suggesting a direct channel for negotiations.

However, Zelenskyy made it clear that he would only meet Vladimir Putin after a shared peace plan had been worked out with the US administration.

Zelenskyy’s openness to Trump’s involvement follows recent concerns in Kyiv over Washington’s long-term military commitment to Ukraine. Trump’s hesitation on continued US military aid has led to speculation about possible territorial concessions being included in any peace deal.

Trump Signals Major Shift in Ukraine Policy

Trump’s recent conversation with Putin has further fuelled speculation about a major shift in US policy. Speaking to reporters, Trump reiterated his belief that the war must end quickly, expressing frustration over the high casualties.

"The Ukraine war has to end. Young people are being killed at levels that nobody's seen since World War II. And it's a ridiculous war," Trump stated.

His comments, combined with uncertainty about future US military aid, have left European allies questioning their security guarantees under NATO.

Vance’s Speech in Munich Shifts Focus to Immigration

Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance delivered a speech at the Munich Security Conference, largely steering away from Ukraine and instead focusing on free speech and illegal migration in Europe.

"If you're running in fear of your own voters, there's nothing America can do for you," Vance told European leaders, urging them to address concerns over immigration policy.

Citing a recent attack in Munich involving an Afghan asylum-seeker, Vance stressed the need for tighter border controls, a stance that aligns with Trump’s hardline immigration policies.

However, his lack of emphasis on Ukraine raised anxiety among European leaders, who were hoping for strong reassurances from Washington regarding continued US support.

NATO Allies Pressured on Military Spending

Before his speech, Vance held private talks with several European leaders, including German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

During these meetings, he reaffirmed the Trump administration’s demand that NATO allies increase their military spending, arguing that the US should focus on challenges in East Asia.

"We want NATO to be built for the future, and that means Europe must take on more of the burden so that the US can focus on challenges in East Asia," Vance stated.

Rutte acknowledged this pressure, admitting: "We have to grow up and spend much more."

The renewed push for burden-sharing reflects Trump’s long-standing criticism of NATO members who fail to meet the 2% GDP defence spending target, a debate that has gained traction amid concerns over US military commitments.

Chernobyl Drone Strike Raises Security Concerns

Hours before a planned meeting between Zelenskyy and Vance, Ukraine reported a Russian drone attack on the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant’s protection shell.

Although radiation levels remained unchanged, Zelenskyy described the attack as an intentional message from Putin to the Munich conference.

The Kremlin denied responsibility, with Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova claiming that Russia has not been invited to the Munich conference for years.

US Secretary of State Rubio Delayed by Travel Issues

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was set to join Vance and Zelenskyy at the conference, faced a travel delay after his Air Force jet experienced mechanical issues, forcing it to return to Washington.

Rubio eventually boarded another aircraft and was expected to arrive in time for critical discussions on Ukraine and NATO security.

Conclusion

The Munich Security Conference has highlighted a growing divide between the US and its European allies over Ukraine and NATO’s future. Macron’s openness to Trump’s mediation underscores France’s pragmatic stance, while Zelenskyy’s engagement with Trump signals a shift in Kyiv’s approach to securing a peace deal.

Meanwhile, Trump’s reluctance to commit to continued military aid has left European leaders scrambling for security guarantees, prompting renewed calls for increased defence spending.

With Chernobyl under attack and tensions in NATO rising, the future of Ukraine’s war efforts and European security remains uncertain, heavily dependent on Trump’s evolving foreign policy stance.

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