PARIS — The Prime Minister of France delivered a sharp critique of President Donald Trump’s recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, labeling it an unprecedented act of “brutality.” The remarks were made during a parliamentary discussion focused on the situation in Ukraine. The prime minister, François Bayrou, suggested that the U.S. president’s intent was to publicly humiliate Zelenskyy and pressure him to comply with demands favorable to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This candid condemnation differed significantly from the diplomatic tact usually practiced by French leaders and marked a departure from the more measured approach that French President Emmanuel Macron has tended to display following the controversial interaction that took place at the White House last Friday.
During the debate, Bayrou recounted the distressing scene he described as occurring in the Oval Office — a moment of humiliation for Zelenskyy intended to force a surrender to the aggressor’s demands. Bayrou’s interpretation of Trump’s words suggested an ultimatum: “Either you find a deal with Putin or we will abandon you,” clarifying the alleged coercion aimed at the Ukrainian leader.
Continuing his address, Bayrou commended President Zelenskyy for standing firm against such manipulation. He lauded the Ukrainian president’s resilience as an emblem of democratic integrity, urging his fellow lawmakers to likewise express their admiration. This prompted a standing ovation within the French National Assembly.
Opening his discourse, Bayrou highlighted the broader implications of the ongoing conflict. He warned that Russia’s aggressive actions and the subsequent global diplomatic tensions have ushered Europe into a perilous state. He characterized the current predicament as one of the most destabilizing and dangerous periods for the continent since the conclusion of the Second World War.
Bayrou identified two major victims of the Oval Office confrontation. First, the compromised security of Ukraine and second, the strained relationship between the U.S. and its longstanding allies in Europe, along with a damaging blow to America’s stature on the global stage. The incident was seen as an affront to the values of defending law and the vulnerable against the overreach of tyranny.
As a prominent figure alongside Macron since December, Bayrou has played a vital role in shaping France’s foreign policy. Although his statements do not represent the presidency directly, they reflect the broader stance of Macron’s administration. Thus, he underscored his remarks as a representation of the French government’s position during the legislative session.
