French President Emmanuel Macron has made a strong statement regarding US President Donald Trump’s stance on the war in Ukraine, saying that Trump initially believed that Kiev would be defeated by Russia.
In an interview with France TV, Macron said this was why the US administration was pushing for a quick peace deal, which he said would favor Moscow.
He recalled the famous clash in the Oval Office and Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, after which there were rumors of proposals that would give the Donbas region to Russia.
However, Macron said Trump later changed his mind after realizing that predictions of a rapid collapse of Ukraine were wrong.
“Ukraine did not collapse and the Kremlin is not seeking peace, but the capitulation of Kiev,” the French leader declared.
According to Macron, Trump was impressed by the resilience of the Ukrainians and their ability to confront Russian aggression.
“He saw brave and creative people, whom he respects,” he said, referring to the Ukrainian people.
The French leader’s statements shed light on how Trump’s approach to the conflict in Ukraine has evolved and on the debates that have accompanied international efforts to end the war. /Telegraph/