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.

After the initial grip-and-grin, accompanied by mutual pats on the shoulder, the American president pulled his French counterpart close in to continue the greeting. Trump and Macron then waved to the assembled media and shared a few words before ducking inside the West Wing.