LONDON — During a recent trip to the United States, French President Emmanuel Macron took a firm stance against President Donald Trump’s assertions regarding aid to Ukraine. Macron fact-checked Trump in real-time and urged caution in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In a joint appearance at the Oval Office on Monday, Macron interjected when Trump claimed that Europe was being reimbursed 60% of the aid it provided to Kyiv over the last three years. Touching Trump's arm to interject, Macron clarified, "No, in fact, to be frank, we paid. We paid 60% of the total effort: it was through, like the U.S., loans, guarantees, grants," emphasizing that Europe provided real financial support.
Following Macron's comments, Trump smiled and replied, "If you believe that, it's okay with me."
In a Fox News interview also aired on Monday, Macron advised Trump to be cautious in the emerging U.S.-Russia negotiations aimed at concluding Moscow's three-year-old war, which currently excludes direct involvement from Ukraine or European allies.
"I think the arrival of President Trump is a game-changer," Macron stated. He emphasized the importance of U.S. deterrence capacity to reengage with Russia, adding, "We want peace. And I think the initiative of President Trump is a very positive one. But my message was to say be careful because we need something substantial for Ukraine."
Trump's persistent demands for Kyiv to repay U.S. aid since the onset of Russia's invasion have strained American relations with Ukraine and its European allies. The White House has positioned its proposed deal to access Ukrainian resources as part of Trump's strategy to recoup U.S. wartime investment. Ukrainian officials indicated on Monday that the deal is nearing finalization.
Trump announced on Monday that he would soon meet with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, suggesting a deal granting the U.S. access to profits from Ukraine's valuable mineral resources is imminent, with Zelenskyy potentially visiting Washington to sign it.
"I will be meeting with President Zelenskyy. In fact, he may come this week or next week to sign the agreement," Trump stated.
Trump reiterated claims of unfair Ukrainian approaches to U.S. aid during Russia's war, falsely stating that the U.S. has provided Ukraine with $350 billion, a figure publicly contested by Zelenskyy. The Kiel Institute for the World Economy estimates U.S. commitments at approximately $119 billion, with $67 billion in military equipment.
The Institute also reports that European nations — including the European Union, the U.K., Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland — have collectively contributed around $138 billion to Ukraine, $65 billion of which was military equipment.
ABC News' Alexandra Hutzler and Ellie Kaufman contributed to this report.
