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A top European leader says he now believes that President Donald Trump has finally realized Vladimir Putin misled him about Russia’s intentions for peace in Ukraine.
Some shit you should know before you read: Since returning to office, President Trump has resumed direct communication with Russia, a departure from the Biden administration’s policy of diplomatic isolation following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Trump has argued that the lack of dialogue with Putin only hardened positions and prolonged the conflict, describing the Biden-era freeze in US–Russia relations as a strategic misstep. As part of his renewed diplomatic approach, Trump dispatched special envoy Steve Witkoff to meet with Putin multiple times in an effort to secure a ceasefire. Despite initially taking a peacemaking tone with Putin, Trump dramatically shifted his stance over the weekend, condemning Russia’s intensified attacks on Ukraine and saying that Putin had “gone absolutely crazy.” In addition to all of this, reports are surfacing that Trump is considering new sanctions on Russia, as well as the removal of restrictions on using US-supplied weapons to target military infrastructure within Russia.
What’s going on now: While speaking to reporters in Hanoi during his tour of Southeast Asia, French President Emmanuel Macron said that he believes President Trump now sees that Putin has not been interested in peace in Ukraine. He said, “I believe that President Trump has realised that when President Putin told him he was ready for peace, he was lying. What is happening in Ukraine is unacceptable and extremely serious. You cannot claim to be ready for negotiations and carry out attacks at the same time. Such double rhetoric demonstrates the insincerity of any statements about dialogue.”
Macron also used the occasion to urge long-standing Russian arms buyers in the region (such as Vietnam) to seek alternative military suppliers. He framed this as part of a broader appeal to uphold a “rules-based order” amid what he called “serious global imbalances.”
His comments come amid growing frustration in Europe over the perceived hesitancy of the United States to respond forcefully to Russia’s escalations. Many EU leaders have been calling on the US to adopt a firmer stance, including tougher sanctions and more aid to Ukraine.
