“We had a difficult discussion”: Macron’s remark to Zelensky before the Trump meeting caught a hot microphone | Today’s news
French President Emmanuel Macron has revealed he had a “difficult” discussion with US President Donald Trump ahead of a key session on Ukraine at the G7 summit, offering the public a rare glimpse into the diplomatic dynamics playing out between Western leaders.
The remark was made during a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which was caught on a hot microphone as the two leaders walked through the grounds of the Royal Hotel where world leaders were meeting for the summit.
Macron reveals tense exchange with Trump
Before joining a group discussion focused on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Macron informed Zelensky that his dealings with Trump the previous evening had not been easy.
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Macron described his conversation with Trump as “difficult” and highlighted tensions between the two leaders over various issues, including the war in Ukraine.
The hot-wired conversation reveals behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts to more effectively engage Trump in support of Ukraine during the G7 summit.
During their walk, Macron asked Zelensky about his planned meeting with Trump and offered to arrange it after Zelensky mentioned that he had not yet secured a one-on-one discussion.
European leaders are advocating increased US support for Ukraine, suggesting that Trump’s approach remains unpredictable due to ongoing tensions with several European countries.
Zelenskyy outlined Kyiv’s immediate priorities, including securing more air defense missiles, a winter aid package and a push for increased pressure on Russia.
“Yesterday we had a difficult discussion with President Trump,” Macron told the Ukrainian leader.
The comment reflected broader tensions that have emerged between Trump and several European leaders on a range of issues, including the war in Ukraine, the conflict with Iran, Trump’s remarks about Zelenskyi and Kiev and his proposals on Greenland.
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A European official gave a characteristically mixed description of Trump’s progress during the summit.
“Trump is his usual self,” a European official told NBC News of the president’s mood at the summit. “Sometimes nice and sometimes not so nice.
Hot-Mic conversation reveals a diplomatic effort
As Macron and Zelensky walked together before the summit meeting, their conversation shed light on behind-the-scenes efforts to ensure greater involvement by the US president.
Speaking in English, Macron urged Zelensky to stay longer at the gathering of world leaders. However, Zelenskyy indicated that he was expected in Brussels later in the week.
During the exchange, Macron asked if Zelensky managed to arrange a personal meeting with Trump.
The Ukrainian president replied that no. Zelenskyy said he requested the meeting during a phone call with Trump on Sunday when he contacted the US president to wish him on his 80th birthday.
“Okay, I’ll arrange it,” Macron replied.
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Trump confirmed the meeting with Zelensky
Macron’s intervention appeared to have yielded results.
Trump later confirmed that he would meet with Zelensky during the summit.
“I’ll be meeting with him later today,” Trump told reporters.
The US president arrived about 50 minutes late for Tuesday’s group meeting on Ukraine and did not initially engage directly with Zelensky, who was warmly welcomed by other G7 leaders.
However, at the end of the meeting, Trump and Zelensky were seen talking privately for several minutes. Zelensky later shared photos on social media of the two leaders sitting across from each other in conversation.
European leaders are pushing for more support
European leaders used the meeting to argue that Russian President Vladimir Putin now faces a weaker strategic position in the war and called on Trump to increase US support for Ukraine, officials said.
After the discussions, Zelenskyy outlined what he described as Kyiv’s immediate priorities.
“The priorities are clear: more air defense missiles along with licenses for their production, a winter support package and increased pressure on Russia,” Zelenskyy wrote on X. “What is important is that the US is ready to provide insurance in these lines of effort.”
The Ukrainian leader’s comments indicated optimism about continued Western support as the conflict continues.
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Proposal for Trump-Putin-Zelensky talks
The possibility of a broader diplomatic initiative also appeared during the discussions between Trump and Zelensky.
According to Zelensky, the two leaders discussed the prospect of a trilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Yesterday we discussed with President Trump that such a meeting could be held in the US in a format where it would be much harder for Putin to refuse,” Zelenskyy said in a video posted on X before his trip to France. “We’ll see what comes of it. If Russia rejects even this chance, more pressure will be needed.”
The proposal is among several diplomatic options being explored as international leaders look for ways to end the conflict.
Summit overshadowed by fresh Russian attacks
The negotiations took place against the backdrop of renewed Russian strikes on Ukraine.
Before the start of the G7 summit, Russia fired dozens of missiles aimed at some of Ukraine’s largest cities. The fire reportedly killed at least 11 people.
The attacks underscored the urgency of talks between world leaders as Ukraine continues to seek military, financial and diplomatic support from its allies.
As the summit progressed, a heated microphone exchange between Macron and Zelensky provided a rare window into the private negotiations and strategic calculations shaping international efforts to resolve the war and maintain unity among Ukraine’s partners.
