U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism that Russia’s war in Ukraine could soon come to an end during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, the third anniversary of the invasion.
In his comments on the conflict, Trump stated that he believed Russian President Vladimir Putin would accept the idea of European peacekeepers being stationed in Ukraine to help maintain peace. He also indicated that the war could be resolved within weeks, and that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky might visit the U.S. soon to sign a deal allowing America to access Ukraine’s vital minerals, which could help repay the $180 billion in U.S. aid provided to Ukraine since the war began.
“We’re getting very close,” Trump told reporters at the start of his bilateral meeting with Macron. He suggested that Zelensky could potentially visit Washington either this week or next to finalize the deal.
Earlier on Monday, Trump and Macron participated in a virtual meeting with other G7 leaders to discuss the ongoing conflict.
The discussions took place amid growing uncertainty over the future of transatlantic relations, as Trump reshapes American foreign policy and seeks to bring the war in Ukraine to a rapid conclusion, while distancing himself from European leadership.
Ukraine is seeking future security guarantees as part of any potential agreement. However, Trump did not clarify whether the emerging deal would include U.S. security guarantees.
“Europe is going to make sure nothing happens,” Trump stated.
The anniversary of the invasion and the discussions come at a pivotal time for Europe, as it faces a significant shift in American foreign policy with Trump’s return to power.
Trump has also made controversial demands, including claims over territories like Greenland, Canada, Gaza, and the Panama Canal, as well as rare earth minerals from Ukraine. His “America First” stance has cast a long shadow over the global diplomatic order that had previously been seen as stabilizing and continuous under veteran U.S. diplomats.
During a joint press conference, Macron emphasized the need for European nations to increase defense efforts but warned against making compromises that could result in Ukraine’s surrender. “This peace must not mean a surrender of Ukraine,” Macron stated. “It must not mean a ceasefire without guarantees. This peace must allow for Ukrainian sovereignty.”
Trump reiterated his belief that Putin would accept European peacekeepers as part of a potential resolution. «Yeah, he will accept it,” Trump remarked. «I’ve asked him that question. Look, if we do this deal, he’s not looking for more war.”
However, Putin noted on Monday that he has not had detailed discussions with Trump about resolving the conflict and that no talks on the matter occurred during recent meetings between Russian and American negotiators in Saudi Arabia. Putin also suggested that Russia does not rule out the possibility of European countries being involved in a peace settlement.
