Conflict Between Russia and Ukraine
Amidst Europe’s Uncertainty, Macron Takes the Lead
The French leader’s calls for “strategic autonomy” and the creation of a European military presence in Ukraine have become particularly relevant in a global landscape where America is seen as less reliable.
In the weeks following President Emmanuel Macron’s unexpected decision to hold an election last summer, which led to a highly fragmented French Parliament, his name frequently arose in discussions urging him to step down.
The widely disliked president, often criticized for being distant, domineering, and conceited, seemed poised to endure the last three years of his presidency as an ineffective leader. His administration was marked by instability, characterized by a succession of prime ministers, with minimal accomplishments to his name.
However, President Trump has transformed the situation. The U.S. president has suddenly ended eight decades of cooperative relations with Europe by pulling back support for Ukraine and aligning more closely with Russia. As a result, European leaders are feeling alarmed and directionless. This shift has created an opportunity for Mr. Macron to step into the spotlight.
The President of France, who previously appeared to be fading from the spotlight, is now frequently featured in the news. Mr. Macron has consistently brought together European leaders in Paris, made quick trips to Washington and subsequently to London, and has emerged as a central figure in Europe’s challenging endeavor to assert its independence.
Mr. Macron’s earlier cautions about NATO’s “approaching brain death” now appear to have been foresighted, as Mr. Trump is considering abandoning the alliance.
President Macron’s suggestion of deploying European troops to maintain peace in Ukraine, once dismissed as unfeasible by skeptical allies, is now being developed as a realistic strategy to curb the conflict.
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