Macron seeks military aid for Ukraine, opposing Trump

French President Emmanuel Macron is preparing for a significant meeting with European Union leaders in Brussels, focusing on support for Ukraine amid rising tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump. Recently, Macron has faced challenges at home but is now seizing the opportunity to return to the global stage. Trump is pushing for a ceasefire in Ukraine, suggesting that this could lead to new cooperation with Russia. On a recent call with Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded that Western nations stop supplying weapons to Ukraine. This presents a dilemma for Macron, as he is working to unite European allies to support Ukraine. A senior EU official stated that European countries will not agree to Putin's conditions. Macron's government spokesperson deemed these demands "unrealistic". Macron is in regular contact with both Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as he seeks to find a way forward. Zelenskiy is expected to visit France next week to discuss the potential deployment of peacekeepers in Ukraine. Macron has organized meetings with defense leaders from over 30 countries to prepare military support for Ukraine once a ceasefire is declared. The push for European military support comes as nations wish to build their defenses independently of the U.S. Many European leaders worry about a weak peace deal with Russia that could enable further attacks. In Germany, lawmakers have passed a major spending plan to boost military funding. Macron met with German leaders recently to align their strategies on defense and support for Ukraine. His strong relationship with Trump could play a crucial role, as Macron believes he can engage Trump effectively despite his challenging communication style. As Macron's international efforts gain attention, his domestic approval ratings have also risen. A recent poll indicated an increase in his popularity among French citizens. However, navigating collaboration with the U.S. remains fraught, with mixed sentiments among lawmakers about the relationship. The situation for Macron is delicate. He aims to expand military capabilities in Europe, a goal he's had since taking office in 2017. While European support for Ukraine is growing, implementing these plans and securing funding without raising taxes poses significant challenges.