French President Emmanuel Macron described his New York meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump as constructive, highlighting detailed discussions on the Red Sea and the war in Ukraine. Macron said he urged faster delivery of defensive systems—especially missile interceptors—to Ukraine and called Trump receptive. He also warned that disruptions near the Strait of Bab al‑Mandab are complicating vital shipping routes, and said he will meet Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky at the UN General Assembly.
Macron Calls Talks With Trump on Ukraine and Red Sea “Constructive”
A French official briefed that Macron was prepared to face Trump with 'total candor' (Ludovic MARIN)
French President Emmanuel Macron described his New York meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump as "constructive," saying they held detailed discussions about the crises unfolding in Ukraine and the Red Sea.
Macron told reporters that the Red Sea was a key topic because of its impact on global prices and energy supplies. He said the two leaders then had an extended, substantive conversation about the war in Ukraine and its broader security implications.
On Ukraine, Macron said he pressed Trump to accelerate deliveries of defensive systems to Kyiv, specifically mentioning the need for more missile interceptors as a defensive measure to protect civilians and infrastructure.
"We had a very good discussion. It was very constructive," Macron said, adding that Trump was "very amenable" and willing to go into detail on both conflicts.
Macron also warned that maritime security in the Red Sea has been complicated by disruptions near the Strait of Bab al‑Mandab, where pro‑Yemeni forces have impeded shipping—an issue that affects oil routes now that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is constrained.
The French president flew to New York from Saint Pierre and Miquelon, a small French territory off Canada’s Atlantic coast, where he met with Canadian officials. He is also scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
Context: The talks came ahead of the United Nations' high-level week and follow international concern over supply lines for Ukraine and growing attacks on commercial shipping in strategic waterways.
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