First Thing: Macron warns Trump against ‘surrender’ in Ukraine

<p>US and French presidents disagree over aid and efforts to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine. Plus, are airships the future again?</p><ul><li><strong><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/info/2018/sep/17/guardian-us-morning-briefing-sign-up-to-stay-informed">Don’t already get First Thing in your inbox? Sign up here</a></strong></li></ul><p>Good morning.</p><p>The meeting was cordial, at times even warm, but the fracture lines in the transatlantic partnership were clear.</p><p><strong>Here’s what Macron said:</strong> “This peace must not mean a surrender of Ukraine. It must not mean a ceasefire without guarantees. This peace must allow for Ukrainian sovereignty and allow Ukraine to negotiate with other stakeholders.”</p><p><strong>Here’s what Trump said:</strong> “I believe that Emmanuel agrees with me on many of the most important issues. … Europe must take a central role in ensuring the long-term security of Ukraine.” Trump also said a US-Ukraine minerals deal was “very close”.</p><p><strong>How are unions challenging Musk’s moves?</strong> Over the weekend, a coalition of groups opposed to the mass layoffs asked a court to prevent reprisals against employees who fail to reply by the deadline set at midnight on Monday. It’s “not just inappropriate – it is disruptive to essential government functions,” wrote AFGE’s president.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/25/macron-warns-trump-against-surrender-in-ukraine-first-thing">Continue reading...</a>