Tense call: Macron and Trump talk as Europe feels cut out of Ukraine deal

French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President Donald Trump spoke on the phone just minutes before Macron welcomed European leaders to a crucial security meeting in Paris.

A ‘Frank Conversation’ on European Security

The French presidency described the 20-minute call as “frank,” as European leaders scramble to coordinate a response to the challenges posed by Trump’s second term. Chief among their concerns is Trump’s plan to meet directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine—without European involvement.

European Leaders Gather in Paris

Macron hosted an informal meeting attended by key European figures, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof.

Also present were European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

Europe Prepares for Reduced U.S. Military Support

With Washington signaling a potential reduction in military commitments to Europe, leaders are weighing their options. Ahead of the summit, Poland’s Donald Tusk urged European nations to drastically increase defense spending to address the continent’s security challenges.

As tensions rise over Trump’s foreign policy approach, European powers are working to ensure they are not sidelined in key geopolitical decisions.