French President Emmanuel Macron has stepped in to mediate between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky following a disastrous Oval Office meeting that ended in a heated public exchange. Macron expressed confidence that the tensions between the two leaders could be de-escalated in the coming days, despite the visible rift that emerged during Zelensky’s recent trip to Washington.

Zelensky’s much-anticipated visit to the White House on February 28 took an unexpected turn when his discussion with Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance devolved into an argument in front of the media. Trump sharply criticized the Ukrainian president for refusing to negotiate peace with Russia and accused him of “gambling with World War III.” Trump further expressed frustration over what he perceived as Zelensky’s lack of gratitude for the extensive military aid provided by Washington to Kiev.

The situation escalated when Zelensky doubled down on his stance, rejecting the idea of peace talks with Moscow, insisting on additional security guarantees from the US, and refusing to acknowledge manpower shortages within Ukraine’s armed forces. The tense exchange culminated in an abrupt end to Zelensky’s visit, with the meeting cut short.

Recognizing the diplomatic fallout, Macron has taken an active role in diffusing tensions. Speaking to Le Figaro on March 2, the French president assured that “de-escalation” between Washington and Kiev would be achieved quickly. He indicated that he had spoken with Trump three times over the course of three days in an effort to mediate the dispute and restore the relationship........

© Blitz