Macron placed his hand on Trump's arm and said that Europe's Ukraine funding took the form of loans, guarantees and grants, and included "real money". The pair met on the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a week after the US started peace negotiations with Russia without directly involving Europe.

President Trump said Monday that his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron marked an "important step" in ending the war between Russia and Ukraine, as Mr. Trump's return to the White House has indicated a likely tipping point in American support — and a possible rift with France and other European allies.