Macron's surprising change of course: from Ukraine war supporter to Trump peacemaker?

French President Emmanuel Macron visited US President Donald Trump in Washington DC on Monday. It was the first visit by a European head of state since Trump took office. The focus of the meeting was the war in Ukraine.

Despite the relaxed atmosphere in the White House - marked by laughter and handshakes - clear differences between the two heads of state became apparent. However, Macron visibly adapted his rhetoric to the new US administration. But what strategy is he pursuing?

The meeting took place against the backdrop of a growing rift between the United States and France at the United Nations. While Europe stood united on Ukraine 's side, the Trump administration rejected a resolution condemning Russian aggression - thereby placing itself in line with Russia, North Korea and Belarus.

Macron as an unofficial EU representative?

Macron made a demonstrative effort to maintain a friendly relationship with Trump, calling him "dear Donald" and repeatedly stressing the close partnership between Europe and the United States. Although he was not officially sent as a representative of the EU, he effectively acted in that role. He described the meeting as a "turning point" on the way to a solution to the Ukraine conflict.

Trump was optimistic that a solution would be possible within a few weeks, and gave Macron a friendly pat on the sleeve. However, the French president opposed a one-sided peace solution: "This peace must not mean the capitulation of Ukraine." There were differences of opinion, particularly over financial support for the country. When Trump claimed that Europe - unlike the USA - would only grant Ukraine loans, Macron promptly interrupted him and clarified:

"No, in fact, to be honest, we have paid," Macron said. Like the United States, Europe has provided a mix of grants, loans and loan guarantees. "We have invested real money, to be clear," he added.

While Trump and Macron remained at odds on key issues - such as who started the war - the French president moved closer to the new US line on one crucial point: his stance on Russian President Vladimir Putin. "With the new US administration, there is now a different context and good reasons for Trump to seek contact with Putin again," Macron explained.

Last November, Macron caused a stir when he declared that he would not rule out sending Western ground troops to Ukraine . While many European partners - including Germany and Italy - strictly rejected this idea, the French president argued that Europe must strengthen its strategic autonomy and be prepared to take further measures. This statement caused international concern about a possible escalation of the conflict.

Trump, meanwhile, announced an imminent trip to Moscow - the first by a US president in over a decade. When exactly this will take place remains unclear. What is becoming clearer, however, is why Macron has now changed his strategy.

So far, only the United States and Russia are at the negotiating table - Ukraine and Europe are left out. Macron is taking advantage of the political instability in Europe, especially after the recent federal elections in Germany, to position himself as a possible European mediator vis-à-vis Washington.

This role could also have been taken on by Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who was also praised by Trump during the press conference with Macron - but Italy is lagging far behind in NATO spending. In addition, France is one of the few nuclear powers in Europe, alongside Great Britain.

In a geopolitically highly complex environment in which the EU is likely to invest heavily in security and defense in the future, Macron is positioning himself as a central bridge for transatlantic relations. It remains to be seen whether he will succeed in leading France to the forefront of European politics.