Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron’s latest awkward handshakes have gone viral, with the two leaders greeting each other three times on Monday in Washington DC to discuss a possible end to Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The first handshake occurred outside the White House, where the pair gripped onto each other for an excruciating 12 seconds as they posed for photos. This was followed by a second awkward handshake in the Oval Office, where Trump placed his hand on Macron’s leg, resulting in Macron turning the physical contact into another handshake.
The third and final handshake took place during a news conference, where Trump appeared to twist Macron’s arm before they locked fists and faced the audience. The awkward exchanges have become a hallmark of the duo’s meetings, with footage from 2017 showing them locking hands for 29 seconds straight.
The meeting comes as the prospect of thousands of UK troops deploying to Ukraine is a step closer, with Trump warning that the conflict could escalate into a Third World War if not addressed. Macron, however, believes that peace can be achieved within weeks, saying, “I think the initiative of President Trump is a very positive one. But my message was to say be careful because we need something substantial for Ukraine.”
The French president also emphasized the need for guarantees, stating, “It must allow for Ukrainian sovereignty and allow Ukraine to negotiate with other stakeholders regarding the issues that affect it.” Trump, on the other hand, is confident in his ability to make deals, saying, “My whole life is deals, that’s all I know.”
As the two leaders met, the US and Russia engaged in a rare agreement at the United Nations, with the US voting alongside Russia and North Korea against a UN resolution demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. The resolution received 93 votes in favor, with 18 countries opposing it.
Conclusion:
The meeting between Trump and Macron is a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with the two leaders discussing the possibility of peace and the need for guarantees. As the situation continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how these developments play out and what implications they may have for the global community.
FAQs:
* What is the current situation in Ukraine?
The war in Ukraine is ongoing, with Russia having invaded the country in 2014. The conflict has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction.
* What is the current stance of the US on the conflict?
The US has imposed sanctions on Russia and has been critical of its actions in Ukraine. However, Trump has also expressed a desire to make a deal with Putin, saying, “I really believe that he wants to make a deal. I may be wrong, but I believe that he wants to make a deal.”
* What is the current stance of France on the conflict?
France has been a strong supporter of Ukraine, with Macron calling for a ceasefire and a withdrawal of Russian troops. He has also emphasized the need for guarantees, stating, “It must allow for Ukrainian sovereignty and allow Ukraine to negotiate with other stakeholders regarding the issues that affect it.”
* What is the potential impact of the UK deploying troops to Ukraine?
The deployment of UK troops to Ukraine could have significant implications for the conflict, with some experts suggesting that it could lead to a escalation of the conflict. However, others believe that it could be a key step in bringing a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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